The Escalation of the Third Wave of National Removal Operations

The third group of deportees also highlights the administration's specific focus on criminal elements, although the definition of "criminal" has been broadened significantly. Under new directives, even minor infractions or prior immigration violations can trigger a priority status for removal. This has allowed the government to claim a high percentage of "criminal" removals while casting a much wider net than previous administrations. The use of high-profile operations, such as those named in honor of crime victims, serves to solidify public support for the mass deportation effort by linking immigration enforcement directly to public safety concerns.