President-elect Donald Trump has reaffirmed his intention to employ the United States military to conduct a large-scale deportation of undocumented immigrants, raising significant questions about the feasibility and implications of such a move.
Trump’s confirmation came via a post on his social media platform on Monday, where he responded with “TRUE!!!” to a claim by a conservative commentator. The commentator suggested Trump would declare a national emergency and deploy military resources to spearhead “a mass deportation program.”
Throughout his campaign, Trump consistently advocated for the mobilization of the National Guard to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations. This approach, he argued, would enable the swift removal of undocumented migrants from the country.
“America must restore order at its borders and uphold its immigration laws,” Trump has said at various rallies, emphasizing the urgency of addressing illegal immigration.
As his inauguration on January 20, 2025, approaches, Trump’s proposed policy has drawn both strong support from his base and criticism from opponents, who cite concerns over potential human rights violations and the economic impact of mass deportations. Critics argue that using the military for domestic immigration enforcement could set a dangerous precedent.
Trump has repeatedly asserted that deportations would begin immediately after he assumes office, marking what could be the largest operation of its kind in U.S. history. Observers now await further details on how his administration intends to implement this controversial policy.