President-elect Donald Trump has reaffirmed his plan to declare a national emergency and deploy U.S. military forces to carry out a large-scale deportation operation targeting undocumented immigrants.
Immigration reform, a cornerstone of Trump’s campaign, is poised to dominate his upcoming term in the White House. The former president has pledged to deport millions of undocumented individuals and secure the southern border, citing a sharp increase in illegal crossings during President Joe Biden’s administration.
On Truth Social, Trump confirmed his stance by reposting a claim from a conservative activist that he would deploy military resources to undo Biden-era immigration policies. His single-word response, “True!,” amplified the message.
The announcement comes shortly after Trump’s electoral victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris on November 5. He has begun assembling his administration, naming immigration hardliner Tom Homan as his “border czar.” Homan, a former acting chief of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has advocated for strict immigration policies and warned undocumented migrants to “start packing now.”
The deportation initiative is expected to have sweeping implications for millions of families across the U.S. With an estimated 11 million undocumented individuals in the country, Trump’s approach could indirectly affect over 20 million people.
During his campaign, Trump frequently described illegal immigration as an “invasion” and asserted that undocumented migrants pose a societal threat. He also indicated plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, an antiquated law that critics argue recalls divisive historical policies, such as Japanese-American internment during World War II.
Despite his rhetoric, border encounters have recently stabilized, returning to 2020 levels after reaching a record peak of 250,000 in December 2023.
As Trump prepares to take office, his aggressive immigration agenda has reignited debates over border security, human rights, and how best to address America’s complex immigration challenges. His policies signal a sharp departure from previous administrations and a renewed focus on hardline enforcement.
