US likely to deport millions of illegal migrants as Trump plans massive immigration crackdowns
Approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants reside in US | 20 million people likely to face the heat
PTC Web Desk: President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday his intention to declare a national emergency on border security and deploy the US military to execute a mass deportation plan targeting undocumented migrants. This decision marks the beginning of what could be one of the most controversial immigration crackdowns in recent history.
Immigration was a cornerstone of Donald Trump’s campaign, and his victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on November 5 secured his return to the presidency. Throughout the election, Trump emphasised stabilising the southern border with Mexico and promised to deport millions of undocumented migrants, a pledge that resonated with his conservative base.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump affirmed the claims of a conservative activist, who posted that the president-elect is “prepared to declare a national emergency and will use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation programme.” Trump responded to the post with a simple but emphatic confirmation: “True!”
Trump’s post-election announcements have further underlined his commitment to hardline immigration policies. He has appointed former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting chief Tom Homan as his “border czar.” Homan, known for his outspoken views on immigration, warned undocumented migrants during a speech at the Republican National Convention: “I got a message to the millions of illegal immigrants that Joe Biden's released in our country: You better start packing now.”
This rhetoric aligns with Trump’s campaign promises and his previous tenure in office, during which he implemented controversial measures such as the "zero-tolerance" policy that separated families at the border.
Mass deportations to target millions
The authorities estimate that approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants reside in the United States. Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan, however, could directly impact up to 20 million people, including family members of those targeted for removal.
Trump has vowed to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations. While he has not provided specifics about the plan, critics are raising concerns about the potential misuse of this law. The act, last utilised during World War II to intern Japanese-Americans, is seen as outdated and controversial for its lack of due process.
Under Joe Biden’s administration, the US-Mexico border experienced a surge in illegal crossings, with record-breaking encounters in December 2023, reaching 2,50,000 in a single month. Although these numbers have since stabilised to levels similar to those during Trump’s first term, the US President-elect has painted a dire picture, claiming an “invasion” by migrants who he alleges pose a threat to Americans.
Trump’s rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism, particularly for statements suggesting that undocumented immigrants are criminals and his inflammatory remark about foreigners “poisoning the blood” of the United States. Experts have flagged these claims as misleading and harmful, pointing to the lack of evidence supporting such allegations.
Immigration advocates and human rights organisations are bracing for a legal and humanitarian battle. Critics argue that mass deportations on this scale could lead to widespread family separations, economic upheaval, and violations of civil liberties. The Alien Enemies Act, in particular, has come under fire for its historical use to justify internment camps, raising concerns about its applicability in the modern era.
The US government has long struggled to manage immigration and border security, but Trump's plan represents an unprecedented escalation. Legal experts warn that invoking military assets for domestic deportations could face significant constitutional challenges.