President-elect Donald Trump has officially confirmed his intention to launch a national emergency and deploy the U.S. military to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants upon taking office. The announcement followed a statement by Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch, which Trump verified with a "TRUE!!!" on social media. The president-elect aims to initiate what he describes as the "largest deportation program in U.S. history" on his first day in office.
Team Setup for Immigration Crackdown
For his second term, Trump has assembled a team of immigration hardliners to enforce his crackdown. Key figures in his team include Tom Homan, dubbed the "border czar," and Stephen Miller, who has been appointed deputy chief of staff for policy. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a strong advocate for strict immigration policies, has been nominated as the next Secretary of Homeland Security.
Potential Legal and Logistical Challenges
The proposed deportation program could face significant legal and logistical challenges. The American Immigration Council estimates that deporting one million individuals annually could cost upwards of $960 billion over the next decade. While Trump has suggested deporting as many as 20 million people, Pew Research estimates the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. at 11 million as of 2022.
Plans for Enforcement and National Guard Deployment
In response to the challenges, Trump's administration is considering federalizing state National Guard troops to support immigration enforcement. The plan includes constructing large detention centers and deploying troops from Republican-controlled states to assist neighboring states with governors who are less cooperative. Trump has emphasized that mass deportations are necessary despite the potential costs.
Concerns from Advocacy Groups
Advocacy organizations, such as United We Dream Action, have raised concerns about the potential impact on civil liberties and families with U.S. citizen members. Critics argue that Trump's approach may not have the public mandate for mass raids, noting the economic and social consequences. Greisa Martinez Rosas, a representative from United We Dream Action, remarked, "Trump may be re-elected, but he does not have a mandate to come into and tear apart our communities."
