Trump DOJ Breaks Records with Surge in Illegal Immigration Prosecutions

The Trump administration has intensified its efforts to combat illegal immigration by leveraging federal laws to pursue a record number of prosecutions in June. Over 3,000 individuals were charged with felony illegal reentry—the highest monthly total ever—alongside approximately 3,200 facing misdemeanor illegal entry charges. This approach marks a significant shift from the previous Biden administration, which favored deportation over criminal prosecution for unauthorized border crossings, highlighting President Trump's firm stance on border security. Historically, illegal entry was mainly considered a civil violation, resulting primarily in deportation. However, under Trump's leadership, authorities have employed existing statutes to impose stricter penalties, including imprisonment, especially targeting repeat offenders who violate U.S. immigration laws. Felony illegal reentry charges apply to individuals who return after deportation, with penalties of up to two years in prison for first-time offenders and potentially up to two decades for those with prior criminal records. The increase in prosecutions reflects coordinated efforts among Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)...