Trump’s “Operation Take Back America” has already charged thousands of criminal illegal aliens since March, showing an unprecedented 3,755% increase in illegal reentry prosecutions in California alone.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Take Back America has led to thousands of criminal charges against illegal immigrants with serious criminal histories, targeting cartel members and those with felony convictions.
- Federal prosecutors in southwestern border states have charged over 6,000 illegal immigrants with crimes, prioritizing those with prior felony convictions related to narcotics, firearms, and sexual offenses.
- A Kentucky operation resulted in 81 administrative arrests of illegal aliens, with 25 facing criminal charges for offenses including illegal reentry, weapons possession, and drug crimes.
- The central district of California reported a staggering 3,755% increase in charges for illegal reentry since President Trump took office.
- CBP data shows drug seizures increased by 30% in March 2025, with significant increases in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl seizures.
Aggressive Federal Enforcement Targets Criminal Aliens
President Trump’s administration launched “Operation Take Back America” in March 2025 as a comprehensive initiative to address illegal immigration and related criminal activities. The operation specifically targets illegal aliens with serious criminal backgrounds who have reentered the United States unlawfully after deportation. This nationwide enforcement action represents a significant shift in immigration policy, with federal prosecutors across the country pursuing record numbers of cases against individuals who pose substantial threats to public safety and national security.
“The defendants charged were previously convicted of felonies before they were removed from the United States,” stated the Department of Justice in documentation about the operation.
Federal prosecutors in southwestern border districts have charged over 6,000 illegal immigrants with crimes since the operation began. The initiative primarily targets individuals with prior felony convictions related to narcotics trafficking, firearms violations, and sexual offenses. By focusing resources on the most dangerous offenders, the administration has demonstrated its commitment to protecting American communities from criminal aliens who have repeatedly violated U.S. immigration laws.
Kentucky Operation Shows Nationwide Reach
The nationwide scope of Operation Take Back America was demonstrated by a successful enforcement action in Kentucky from March 10-14, 2025. This operation resulted in 81 administrative arrests of illegal aliens, with 25 facing immigration-related criminal charges. In the Western District of Kentucky alone, 53 illegal aliens were arrested, and 18 were criminally charged for offenses including illegal reentry after deportation, illegal possession of firearms, and possession of controlled substances.
“I commend the work of our federal law enforcement partners, prosecutors, and support personnel who worked tirelessly to make this operation a success,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett.
The Kentucky operation revealed the diverse origins of illegal aliens involved in criminal activities, with arrested individuals coming from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, India, and Palau. This multi-agency effort was coordinated by numerous federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE/ERO), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).
With the southern border finally secured and illegal immigration at an all-time low, the Trump administration is cracking down on criminal aliens welcomed into the United States by the Biden administration.https://t.co/3jViRvcLRf pic.twitter.com/uCC5MKqIUe
— Judicial Watch ⚖️ (@JudicialWatch) May 29, 2025
Targeting Transnational Criminal Organizations
A key component of Operation Take Back America is the focused effort to dismantle transnational criminal organizations operating within U.S. borders. According to internal documents, the operation specifically targets major criminal enterprises including Tren de Aragua (TdA), MS-13, the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Northeast Cartel (Los Zetas), New Michoacan Family, United Cartels, and the Gulf Cartel.
“Operation Take Back America will also include all efforts to target TdA [Tren de Aragua], MS-13, the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Northeast Cartel (Los Zetas), New Michoacan Family, United Cartels, the Gulf Cartel, and any other Cartel,” stated the memo that launched the initiative.
The operation has yielded significant results in drug interdiction efforts. CBP data shows drug seizures increased by 30% in March 2025 compared to February, with notable increases in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl seizures. These statistics demonstrate the vital connection between immigration enforcement and combating drug trafficking, as cartels frequently use illegal border crossers as drug mules or to create diversions for smuggling operations.
Record Prosecution Numbers in Border States
The impact of Operation Take Back America is particularly evident in border states. Texas has seen a significant surge in criminal prosecutions of illegal aliens with prior felony convictions. Arizona and California have also reported numerous charges related to human smuggling and other immigration-related offenses. Perhaps most strikingly, the central district of California reported a 3,755% increase in charges for illegal reentry since President Trump took office.
“The aggressive investigation and prosecution of those who violate immigration laws positively impact the security of our communities and of the Nation,” emphasized U.S. Attorney Bennett, highlighting the broader public safety benefits of the operation.
As Operation Take Back America continues, the administration has signaled its unwavering commitment to enforcing immigration laws and prioritizing the removal of criminal aliens. By focusing on individuals with serious criminal histories who pose genuine threats to public safety, the Trump administration is implementing a targeted approach that addresses the most dangerous consequences of illegal immigration while maximizing the impact of limited enforcement resources.
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