Plans are underway to implement the mass deportation program, per Tom Homan, Trump’s pick to fill the Border Czar role. In recent comments, Mr. Homan stated funding from Congress will be needed to carry out the plan, along with a minimum of 100,000 beds to detain undocumented individuals. This more than doubles the current 40,000 available detention beds that are currently funded by Congress. In addition, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be needed to complete the president-elect’s vision. U.S. military will also be requested to help transport migrants.

Mr. Homan further stated the mass deportation program is still being developed in order to meet President-elect Trump’s deportation promises made during the presidential race. The plan will be ready to start on inauguration day, January 20, 2025, per Mr. Homan. Criminals are the priority, including gang members and fugitives. When asked if there is a specific number of undocumented individuals he hopes to see deported before the end of the upcoming Trump administration, he declined to give a number but stated if people are in the country illegally, they will continue to pursue them.

Further, Mr. Homan stated if parents are undocumented, they will be removed. Children with U.S. citizenship will be allowed to stay in the country. However, where those children go if their parents are deported is “the decision of the parents.” He emphasized that they will not deport U.S. citizens but that having a child in this country if not a legal resident does not spare them from deportation.

The Trump administration will also bring back mass worksite immigration raids. This poses a particular issue for industries that rely on undocumented immigrants for necessary labor. The Biden administration ended those raids, choosing to focus in employers who exploit undocumented workers.

Cities that limit or otherwise prevent ICE from carrying out the mass deportation plan will see immigration enforcement agents in neighborhoods, searching for all undocumented immigrants, versus prioritizing criminals. He stated those cities will see more individuals arrested and removed. The goal, per Mr. Homan, is to arrest as many people as they can with the available resources. The plan will continue throughout the four years of the Trump administration.

As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing information regarding U.S. immigration. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us at ILBSG.

Deportation