BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed plans to declare a national emergency to carry out mass deportations of undocumented migrants.
The announcement follows his campaign promise to remove millions of people living in the U.S. without legal status.
In a social media post, Trump responded to claims by Judicial Watch’s Tom Fitton that his administration is preparing to use military resources for the effort. Trump replied, “TRUE!!!”
At a recent rally in Madison Square Garden, Trump doubled down on the promise. “On Day 1, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out,” he told supporters. “We will put these vicious criminals in jail and kick them out of our country as fast as possible.”
Trump has already selected officials known for hardline immigration views. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is his pick for Homeland Security Secretary, pending Senate approval, while former ICE Director Tom Homan has been named “border czar.”
Homan, who plans to focus on deporting criminals and security threats, told Fox News he is meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago this week to finalize the plan. “There are many what-ifs,” Homan said, adding that the program’s success depends on resources such as agents, buses, planes, and possible support from the Department of Defense.
Trump has also suggested mobilizing the National Guard and relocating troops from overseas to assist at the U.S.-Mexico border. This would represent a major shift in military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
Experts warn the plan could come with a high price. The American Immigration Council estimates deporting 11 million undocumented migrants could cost billions annually. There are also concerns about labor shortages and economic fallout, particularly in the agriculture sector.
Manuel Cunha Jr., president of the Nisei Farmers League, said the deportations would devastate food production. “If you took away my workforce, you wouldn’t eat,” he said. “The country would literally stop because the food system won’t move.”
The full details of Trump’s deportation plan remain unclear as discussions continue.
