In January 2017, the Trump administration signaled a stringent approach toward immigration enforcement within the United States. On the president's first day in office, plans were set in motion to initiate widespread arrests of individuals residing in the country without legal permission. This decisive step stemmed from Donald Trump's campaign promises to intensify immigration policies and enhance national security by targeting undocumented immigrants.

The plan was to conduct raids in major cities across the U.S., focusing on individuals with criminal histories and recent arrivals who had not adhered to deportation orders. The administration argued that these measures were necessary to reinforce the rule of law and protect American communities from the potential risks posed by undocumented immigrants. This approach reflected the broader agenda of the new administration to prioritize the removal of individuals deemed dangerous to public safety.

However, these plans faced significant criticism from immigrant advocacy groups, local governments, and international observers. Critics argued that such widespread enforcement actions could instill fear in immigrant communities, leading to a reluctance to report crimes or cooperate with law enforcement, thus undermining public safety rather than enhancing it. Furthermore, concerns were raised about the potential for racial profiling and the separation of families, as many undocumented immigrants lived with legally residing family members, including children with U.S. citizenship.

This initiative marked a shift from the previous administration's focus, which had prioritized the deportation of undocumented immigrants with serious criminal convictions while offering some leniency to those with deep ties to the community and no criminal record. The Trump administration's strategy to carry out large-scale arrests illustrated a move towards a zero-tolerance approach to immigration enforcement, aiming to deter future unauthorized entries into the country.

Overall, the administration's plan to commence extensive arrests of undocumented immigrants on "day one" reflected a pivotal moment in U.S. immigration policy, setting the tone for the following years of the Trump presidency. This development sparked considerable debate over the balance between maintaining national security and honoring America's tradition as a nation of immigrants, prompting discussions that would continue throughout Trump's tenure and beyond.