Harare: The Zimbabwean president has expressed support for the US decision to deport undocumented migrants, including nearly 550 Zimbabweans, according to official data. President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced, "The Government of Zimbabwe supports the United States Government's decision to repatriate and return our Zimbabwean citizens who may have been residing in the US illegally," in a statement on X.

According to Anadolu Agency, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received the authority on Jan. 22 to arrest irregular migrants near sensitive locations, such as churches, hospitals, and schools. The Trump administration has initiated deportation flights for undocumented immigrants from countries including Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, India, and Venezuela.

Raids have been conducted in states like Arizona, California, Texas, New York, and Colorado to apprehend undocumented migrants. Since the beginning of Trump's presidency, over 5,000 undocumented immigrants have been detained, as per daily statistics shared by ICE on X.

An ICE report released late last year stated that 545 non-detained Zimbabwean citizens face deportation, awaiting final orders. The US has urged foreign governments to confirm the citizenship of suspected nationals, stating that cooperation is crucial for the removal process. Lack of cooperation from foreign governments can delay or inhibit deportations, the report emphasized.

A legislative victory for Trump, the Laken Riley Act, empowers border agents to detain migrants involved in crimes without court orders. Additionally, Trump has ordered preparations for a facility at Guantanamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 undocumented migrants.

Thousands protested in Los Angeles on Sunday, opposing the Trump administration's measures to combat irregular migration, including deportations and stricter border policies.