Trump’s Deportation Promise Spurs Local Impact and National Interest

Trump’s Immigration Promises and the Local Impact in Scranton

In a campaign rally in Scranton on October 9, 2024, former President Donald Trump vowed to initiate a large-scale deportation operation, claiming it would be the largest in U.S. history. “On day one, I will seal the border, I will stop the migrant invasion, and we will begin the largest deportation operation in the history of our country,” he declared.

WVIA News coverage of the enforcement of Trump’s policies led to considerable public interest, especially regarding immigration arrests. Alongside other political stories, such as the resignation of a Lackawanna County commissioner and Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti’s political endeavors, immigration remained a hot topic.

Among the most significant stories was the arrest of Nasario Damian Contreras, a restaurant owner in North Pocono. On July 15, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained Contreras outside one of his eateries. Community support for him surged following his arrest, with numerous residents expressing solidarity through social media and letters.

“At the end of the day, it was really what helped us the most,” his son, Erik Arceno, mentioned. “We invited a few people to make cards (letters) for him for his case. And then the whole town showed up, which is amazing. I never expected it to be really close like that. I can’t put it into words, really.”

Nasario Damian Contreras' family posted this notice on Facebook after he was arrested by ICE agents in July 2025 — Nasario Damian Contreras’ family posted this notice on Facebook after he was arrested by ICE agents in July 2025

Meanwhile, Lackawanna County’s political landscape saw notable changes with the resignation of Matt McGloin, a former football quarterback turned county commissioner. His sudden departure for a brief stint as a football analyst at Boston College sparked a lengthy process to fill his seat. His resignation led to a prolonged replacement process involving court battles and a special election.

Reporters, including Borys Krawczeniuk of WVIA News, chase after Lackawanna County Commissioner Matt McGloin during Wednesday's meeting. McGloin left the meeting early. — Reporters, including Borys Krawczeniuk of WVIA News, chase after Lackawanna County Commissioner Matt McGloin during Wednesday’s meeting. McGloin left the meeting early.

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti has also been in the spotlight, launching a campaign for a congressional seat while running for re-election as mayor. Her campaign video criticizes the stock trading activities of her opponent, Rob Bresnahan, a freshman congressman facing scrutiny for his stock market activities.

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti takes the podium on primary election night after winning the Democratic nomination for mayor at campaign headquarters on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton.

Efforts to modernize property valuations in Lackawanna County have also been a focus, with a long-overdue reassessment going into effect on January 1, 2026. This reassessment marks the end of a 58-year gap in updated property values, impacting tax calculations across the county.

On the legal front, a criminal ring involved in art and memorabilia thefts has seen its members facing justice. Ringleader Thomas Trotta received an eight-year sentence after testifying against his accomplices, while others await sentencing. The case has captured public attention, particularly due to the destruction of valuable memorabilia, including boxing championship belts.

Don’t forget to follow along each day at WVIA.org as we publish WVIA 2025 Year in Review, recounting the top stories of the past year through New Year’s Day.