ICE Strengthens Deportations in Miami with ‘The Worst First’ Strategy

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased deportation operations in South Florida. This measure follows the policy of Donald Trump’s administration, which prioritizes the expulsion of undocumented immigrants considered dangerous to national security.

Garrett Ripa, acting deputy field office director for ICE in Miami, explained that the strategy follows the idea of “the worst first,” meaning that immigrants with serious criminal records are the first to be expelled. However, he also made it clear that any undocumented individual could face legal action.

“Any person who is deportable or inadmissible in the United States, whether they have a criminal record or not, could be subject to action by immigration authorities,” Ripa stated in an interview with NBC6.

While national security cases are the priority, this does not exclude other undocumented immigrants from being detained and deported.

Growing Concern Among Immigrants

The increase in deportations has caused fear among the immigrant community in South Florida, especially for those who, despite having no criminal record, are in the country without proper documentation.

According to Telemundo 51 Miami, each case is evaluated individually before deciding whether deportation is warranted. Ripa explained that, in some cases, immigrants may present their case before a judge, while others are deported immediately if an order against them already exists.

“If someone is detained and already has a deportation order, the process can be much faster,” Ripa noted.

This means that individuals with a prior order could be expelled within days, while others must go through immigration hearings and may appeal their case.

New Measures in Detention Policies

One of the recent changes in Trump’s immigration policy allows local authorities to detain individuals considered “inadmissible or removable” for up to 48 hours before handing them over to ICE.

“Generally, these cases are identified when the person is arrested for another crime and, through the biometric system, we learn that they are in the local jail,” Ripa explained.

This collaboration between local police and ICE allows for the identification and detention of undocumented immigrants. However, human rights groups have criticized this practice, arguing that it could lead to unjust detentions of individuals who do not pose a threat.

Ripa assured that ICE in Miami continues its usual work, now with more support from other federal agencies. “What we are doing now is the same as always, just with more help,” he stated.

Although he did not provide specific figures, he reiterated that all deportations are handled according to federal government guidelines and that each case is assessed individually.

The reinforcement of deportations in Miami is part of a broader strategy by Trump’s administration to tighten immigration policies and strengthen border security.