Trump’s Expanded Deportation Plan Sparks Fear in Inglewood and Compton Communities

President Trump has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to expand deportation operations in Los Angeles and other major cities, calling for “the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History” in a social media post that has heightened concerns among immigrant communities in Inglewood, Compton, and throughout Southern California.

The directive comes after massive protests erupted in Los Angeles and other cities against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with demonstrations that have resulted in 575 arrests by the Los Angeles Police Department since early June, including 14 for looting.

While specific details about how the expanded operations will impact Los Angeles remain unclear, the Department of Homeland Security announced Sunday that it would pause most raids on farms, restaurants, and hotels at the president’s direction. This temporary pause may affect many Inglewood and Compton residents who work in these industries.

The Trump administration has maintained its goal of conducting up to 3,000 deportations per day nationwide, a target that has created widespread fear in immigrant communities across South Los Angeles. These aggressive enforcement actions have prompted many families to avoid public spaces and limit their daily activities.

In response to ongoing protests, President Trump deployed 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles last week to control demonstrations while immigration raids continue. This militarization of the response has further escalated tensions in communities already on edge.

A critical federal court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to determine whether Trump or California Governor Gavin Newsom will control the National Guard moving forward. Newsom has challenged Trump’s decision to federalize the Guard, with U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruling last week that the action did not follow congressionally mandated procedures.

However, a three-judge appellate panel from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals stayed Breyer’s ruling in response to a Trump administration appeal, temporarily keeping National Guard troops under federal control at least through Tuesday’s hearing.

For Inglewood and Compton residents, many of whom have family members without legal status or work alongside undocumented colleagues, the expanded enforcement represents an escalation of an already tense situation. Local advocacy groups continue to provide “Know Your Rights” information and legal support to affected communities.

The outcome of Tuesday’s court hearing could significantly impact how immigration enforcement proceeds in Los Angeles County and whether state or federal authorities will direct National Guard activities in the ongoing crisis.

This story draws on reporting from ABC7 Eyewitness News.