Trump confirms military deployment for mass deportations

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump confirmed Monday that he intends to declare a national emergency on border security and deploy the military for a mass deportation of undocumented migrants, fulfilling one of his key campaign promises.

Immigration was a central issue in Trump’s 2024 election campaign, during which he pledged to deport millions of migrants and stabilize the southern border with Mexico. This comes after record numbers of illegal crossings during President Joe Biden’s administration.

Trump amplified his plan on his social media platform, Truth Social, by reposting a claim that he was prepared to use military assets to reverse what he called “the Biden invasion” through a mass deportation program. “True!” Trump commented alongside the post.

After his November 5 victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump began assembling a cabinet of immigration hardliners.

He named former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting chief Tom Homan as his “border czar.” Homan, known for his tough stance on immigration, had previously warned illegal immigrants to “start packing” during a speech at the Republican National Convention in July.

Trump’s plan could affect 20 million families

Trump’s deportation plan could potentially affect around 20 million families, as authorities estimate that 11 million people are living in the U.S. illegally.,

His rhetoric around immigration has been highly charged, with claims of an “invasion” and warnings of violence from undocumented migrants.

Critics argue that Trump’s language and policies stoke fear and are not grounded in accurate statistics.

Trump has also indicated he may invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations. Critics have called the law outdated, citing its use during World War II to detain Japanese-Americans without due process.

U.S. border encounters with illegal migrants have surged in recent years, with a record 250,000 incidents in December 2023. Trump’s approach signals a hardline shift on immigration policy as he prepares to assume office again.