US Embassy Warns Migrants as Trump Plans 2026 Crackdown
Washington signals tougher action, says violations will invite “significant criminal penalties”
- US Embassy in India issues warning against illegal immigration
- Trump administration signals aggressive crackdown in 2026
- ICE and Border Patrol to get $170 billion additional funding
- Fees for immigration and border services to rise
GG News Bureau
New Delhi / Washington, 1st Jan: As US President Donald Trump prepares for a tougher immigration enforcement drive in 2026, the United States Embassy in India has issued a sharp warning to migrants, saying those who violate American law will face “significant criminal penalties.”
In a post on social media platform X, the embassy said the Trump administration is committed to ending illegal immigration and strengthening border security.
“If you break US law, you will be punished with significant criminal penalties. The Trump Administration is committed to ending illegal immigration to the United States and protecting our nation’s borders and our citizens,” the embassy said.
Fees to Rise, Funding Surge Planned
The warning comes at a time when thousands of Indians are affected by delays in H-1B and H-4 visa appointments. The United States is also set to increase immigration and border-related fees as part of mandatory annual adjustments under the HR-1 legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Reports indicate that the Trump administration is preparing a large-scale enforcement push with billions of dollars in new funding. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol are expected to receive around $170 billion in additional funds through September 2029, marking a steep rise from their current combined annual budgets of about $19 billion.
Expanded Deportation Drive
Officials have indicated plans to hire thousands of additional agents, open new detention centres, intensify workplace raids, and partner with private firms to track down immigrants without legal status. More deportations from local jails and expanded surveillance are also part of the proposed strategy.
The intensified enforcement drive is being rolled out even as signs of political backlash build ahead of the US midterm elections, with increased raids in major cities already drawing criticism from community groups and civil rights advocates.
