U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his tough stance on immigration, demanding a sweeping expansion of arrests and deportations by federal agents with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, the Republican president called on ICE and other agencies to do all in their power to carry out what he described as the single largest Mass Deportation Programme in History.

Trump specifically targeted Democrat-led cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, urging the federal agents to step up enforcement efforts.

The president’s hard-line approach has sparked widespread protests across several U.S.

cities.

Demonstrations in the U.S intensified recently after Trump deployed National Guard troops and marines to Los Angeles, a move strongly opposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender.

Mass deportations were a central promise during Trump’s election campaign, and since taking office, his administration has staged raids accompanied by press releases, photographs and regular updates on deportations to showcase their efforts.

An estimated 11 million people currently live in the U.S. without valid papers.

Many work in sectors vital to the economy, such as agriculture, construction and hospitality.

Against this backdrop, Trump has recently made a notable adjustment.

Earlier on Thursday, he suggested exempting the agriculture and hotel industries from the immigration crackdown.

“Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The New York Times reported, citing government officials, that the change came after Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins called Trump and told him of growing concern among farm owners.(dpa/NAN)

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his tough stance on immigration, demanding a sweeping expansion of arrests and deportations by federal agents with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, the Republican president called on ICE and other agencies to do all in their power to carry out what he described as the single largest Mass Deportation Programme in History.

Trump specifically targeted Democrat-led cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, urging the federal agents to step up enforcement efforts.

The president’s hard-line approach has sparked widespread protests across several U.S. cities.

Demonstrations in the U.S intensified recently after Trump deployed National Guard troops and marines to Los Angeles, a move strongly opposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender.

Mass deportations were a central promise during Trump’s election campaign, and since taking office, his administration has staged raids accompanied by press releases, photographs and regular updates on deportations to showcase their efforts.

An estimated 11 million people currently live in the U.S. without valid papers.

Many work in sectors vital to the economy, such as agriculture, construction and hospitality.

Against this backdrop, Trump has recently made a notable adjustment.

Earlier on Thursday, he suggested exempting the agriculture and hotel industries from the immigration crackdown.

“Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The New York Times reported, citing government officials, that the change came after Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins called Trump and told him of growing concern among farm owners.(dpa/NAN)

The Police Command in Delta says it has arrested four suspected cultists in the state.The spokesman for the command, SP Bright Edafe, told newsmen on Monday in Warri.Edafe said that the suspected hoodlums were nabbed on Wednesday by the operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said that the operation was carried out in Mosogar community, Ethiope West Local Government Area. “Acting on credible intelligence on the activities of cultists within Mosogar and its environs, CP-SAT stormed the residence of two of the suspects. “During the preliminary investigation, a search warrant was executed in their premises.“While searching, a black bag containing a fabricated Baretta pistol, loaded with two rounds of live ammunition and two locally-made guns, was recovered.“Other exhibits recovered were: eight rounds of live cartridges, multiple phones, laptop and some fetish substances,” he said.Edafe said that further investigation led to the arrest of two other suspects in Mosogar, adding that they were suspected to be members of the Aiye confraternity.The command’s spokesman said that the suspects were in the police custody, adding that investigation into the matter was ongoing.(NAN)

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday, mourns the passing of Rev. Fr. Dr. Polycarp Lubo, Chairman of CAN, Plateau State, who went to be with the Lord on June 15, 2025, following a brief illness after a road accident.This was contained I’m a statement issued by CAN and made available in Abuja.

Fr. Lubo’s departure is a profound loss to the Christian community, to our nation, and to me personally. He was not only a dedicated colleague but also a dear friend, whose wisdom, humility, and warmth left a lasting imprint on my life.Fr. Lubo stood as a beacon of faith and service. His unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, interfaith harmony, and the mission of the Church was an inspiration to all who encountered him.As a CAN leader, he served with integrity and deep compassion. His advocacy for justice, and his support for national health initiatives such as immunization and polio eradication, made a significant impact. His life exemplified the transformative power of unity, love, and service.CAN stands with Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the government and people of Plateau State, the Catholic Church, the Plateau State CAN chapter, and the family of Fr. Lubo in mourning this irreplaceable loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him, praying that God will grant comfort and strength during this time of grief.We urge the Christian faithful and all Nigerians to honour his legacy by continuing the noble work he championed; peace, justice, and unity.May his soul rest in eternal peace.