Remember all those promises about securing the border? The ones critics dismissed as campaign rhetoric? Well, buckle up, Americans. We’re only weeks into Trump’s second term, and the immigration landscape is already changing faster than Democrats can say “political theater.”

The border state of Texas is feeling the impact first. Local sheriffs are dusting off enforcement tools that gathered cobwebs during the previous administration. Communities are witnessing a return to something novel in recent years – actual consequences for breaking immigration laws.

Criminal Aliens Face Justice

The Department of Justice has filed nearly 200 new federal criminal cases related to immigration and border security following several weeks of deportation raids in Houston and South Texas cities. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill paperwork violations. Almost half involve illegal aliens charged with re-entering the country after being previously deported.

From ‘Breitbart’:

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, most of these cases involve defendants with prior felony convictions that include narcotics offenses, violent crimes, and prior immigration offenses. More than 80 defendants face charges of illegally entering the country; 12 cases involve human smuggling, and the remainder relate to other immigration crimes.

These numbers tell a story the mainstream media would rather ignore. We’re talking about individuals with rap sheets that include violent crimes and drug trafficking. Not exactly the “dreamers” and “asylum seekers” that dominate sympathetic news coverage.

In one particularly brazen case, two South Texas bakery owners were indicted for harboring illegal aliens. Law enforcement discovered these business owners housing workers in adjacent rooms with six mattresses on the floor. The workers either had no legal right to be in the country or possessed visitor visas that didn’t permit employment.

The enforcement actions also targeted Colony Ridge, a 30,000-acre housing development frequently linked to criminal activity. A multi-agency task force arrested three previously deported illegal aliens in a traffic stop that led to the seizure of nearly 350 pounds of methamphetamine. That’s enough poison to devastate countless American communities.

Critics Claim Overreach

Of course, not everyone’s celebrating. Houston Public Media recently highlighted cases of individuals claiming they were wrongfully detained despite having work authorization.

One construction worker with Special Immigrant Juvenile classification was reportedly arrested at a worksite when immigration officers determined his case number was “false.” Another railroad worker with DACA status claims he was detained at a border checkpoint despite showing legal documentation.

These stories make for compelling television. But they conveniently overlook a basic reality: enforcement operations always involve sorting through claims and documentation. The system is working precisely as designed – identifying those with legitimate status while apprehending those breaking the law.

What’s really happening is simple: after years of catch-and-release policies that essentially nullified immigration law, enforcement feels strange and uncomfortable to some. It’s like muscles aching after the first workout in years – temporary discomfort that signals a return to proper function.

Local Law Enforcement Steps Up

A key component of the administration’s strategy involves empowering local authorities through the 287(g) program. This initiative allows ICE to partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to identify and remove criminal aliens.

President Trump’s Executive Order 14159, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” explicitly directs ICE to authorize state and local law enforcement officials to enforce immigration law “to the maximum extent permitted.”

The results speak for themselves. As of March 10, 2025, ICE has signed 287(g) Jail Enforcement Model agreements with 75 law enforcement agencies across 23 states. The Warrant Service Officer program has 132 participating agencies in 20 states. And the Task Force Model has secured 129 agency partnerships in 13 states.

That’s what real federalism looks like – local communities working alongside federal authorities to enforce laws that protect Americans. No more sanctuary cities shielding criminals from consequences. No more political games at the expense of public safety.

The Southern District of Texas remains one of the nation’s busiest federal court districts, covering 43 counties and more than nine million people. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions are working directly with law enforcement at every level to prosecute federal crimes.

Key Takeaways:

• Nearly 200 new federal criminal cases have been filed following immigration raids in Texas, with half involving previously deported felons.
• Law enforcement operations have disrupted major drug trafficking operations, including the seizure of 350 pounds of methamphetamine.
• The 287(g) program has expanded dramatically, with hundreds of local law enforcement agencies now partnering with ICE.

Sources: Breitbart, Houston Public Media, ICE