President-elect Donald Trump confirmed plans on Monday to declare a national emergency regarding border security and utilize U.S. military forces for mass deportations of undocumented migrants.
This announcement follows his election victory on November 5, as he emphasizes an immigration-centric agenda.
Trump’s declaration, shared on his social media platform Truth Social, aligns with comments from conservative activist Tom Fitton, stating that the incoming administration is prepared to reverse what Trump termed the “Biden invasion.” He responded affirmatively with “True!” to Fitton’s post.
Following his electoral victory, Trump is swiftly assembling a cabinet of immigration hardliners, appointing former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting chief Tom Homan as his “border czar.” Homan, who previously addressed the Republican National Convention, warned undocumented immigrants to “start packing now.”
Trump’s anticipated military-led deportation initiative could impact millions, with estimates suggesting around 11 million undocumented individuals currently residing in the U.S.
According to AFP, during his campaign, Donald Trump frequently employed inflammatory rhetoric regarding immigration, labeling the influx of migrants as an existential threat to American security. He has asserted that undocumented individuals crossing the southern border pose a danger to citizens, reiterating claims that they contribute to crime and violence.
Trump has proposed invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations, a law last used during World War II to justify the internment of Japanese Americans. Critics argue that this law is outdated and overly broad, warning it could undermine civil liberties and lead to human rights abuses.
While encounters with migrants attempting illegal crossings have surged, current figures are comparable to those seen in 2020, following a peak of 250,000 encounters in December 2023.
