Use of U.S. military for the mass deportation of undocumented individuals residing in the U.S. is confirmed by President-elect Trump. In a recent social media post from Mr. Trump, he confirmed he intends to declare a national emergency to access military personnel to lead a mass deportation program, reiterating a message from his Presidential campaign. Further, he has stated his intention to take action on his first day in office, which will be January 20, 2025.

However, experts state it is doubtful U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has the resources needed to find the millions of undocumented migrants. The logistical act of completing the potential program brings additional hurdles, including costs and likely legal challenges. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on Monday, requesting details on how the deportation plan will work. The group stated they plan to continue filing legal challenges to try to block the mass deportation.

Mr. Homan, President-elect Trump’s appointment as Border Czar, stated he and the President-elect are finalizing the mass deportation plan. Among the items under consideration is the role of the U.S. National Guard and the U.S. Department of Defense.

In his previous term, Mr. Trump’s administration deported roughly 1.5 million people which includes those from the border and the U.S. interior. As of February 2024, under President Biden, approximately 1.1 million people have been deported, putting the rate on pace to match the 1.5 million deportations during Trump’s first term.

ILBSG actively monitors ongoing news regarding U.S. immigration. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us at ILBSG. Our clients work directly with attorneys to ensure they get the right advice for their specific situation.

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