Trump doesn’t take office for another two months. But he’s preparing something big.
That’s why this national emergency declaration from Trump has raised everyone’s eyebrows.
Trump Plans to Declare National Emergency for Mass Deportation Efforts
President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he will declare a national emergency as part of his efforts to carry out a large-scale deportation program. Trump’s announcement came via a post on Truth Social in response to a comment by Tom Fitton, president of the conservative group Judicial Watch, who shared reports suggesting the incoming administration was “prepared to declare a national emergency and will use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.” Trump’s succinct endorsement of this plan, stating “True!!!,” signals his commitment to a hardline immigration enforcement agenda in the coming years.
This move is the latest in a series of actions indicating that Trump intends to pursue the aggressive immigration policies he campaigned on. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump promised to continue building the U.S.-Mexico border wall, reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” program for asylum seekers, hire additional border patrol agents, and implement what he described as the “largest deportation program in American history.” Additionally, Trump has pledged to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants, a controversial stance that would challenge a long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment.
The Trump administration’s commitment to a tough stance on immigration enforcement is further underscored by the key appointments being made to lead the relevant federal agencies. Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been tapped to serve as the administration’s “border czar.”
Other top figures include Stephen Miller, who will serve as deputy chief of staff for policy, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who has been chosen to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). All three individuals are known for their strong positions on border security and immigration enforcement.
Although the president-elect has yet to announce who will head ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the direction of his immigration policies is already clear. These agencies, which are central to the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws, will play a pivotal role in executing the incoming administration’s priorities.
This is not the first time Trump has invoked national emergency powers to advance his immigration agenda. During his first term, he declared a national emergency to reallocate funding for the construction of a border wall, which had stalled in Congress. He later extended that declaration to ensure continued progress on the wall. As he prepares to take office again, Trump is likely to face legal challenges from immigrant rights groups and liberal organizations, who have frequently opposed his policies in court.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has been a vocal critic of Trump’s immigration policies, has already signaled its intention to resume legal battles once the president-elect assumes office. The ACLU has filed more than 400 legal actions against Trump and his administration since 2016, many of which have focused on immigration-related issues.
In a statement following Trump’s Election Day victory, the organization vowed to continue its legal efforts. “Starting on day one, we’re ready to fight for our civil liberties and civil rights in the courts, in Congress, and in our communities,” the ACLU declared. “We did it during his first term — filing 434 legal actions against Trump while he was in office — and we’ll do it again.”
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, his administration’s approach to immigration promises to be one of the most contentious and high-profile aspects of his presidency, with significant legal and political battles likely ahead.
They don't have rights lady! They're f****** illegal immigrant you stupid b****…
ACLU is taking things further. They plan to fight Donald Trump mass deportations in cities in all 50 states
They vow to protect illegal immigrants and protestors pic.twitter.com/pHhVpoANaF
— Illinois girl Desi (@d_ewinger) November 16, 2024
Surveys indicate that a growing number of American voters are becoming increasingly frustrated with illegal immigration, and this discontent is strongly aligning with the messaging of former President Donald Trump. Trump’s hardline stance on illegal immigration, which was a cornerstone of his 2016 campaign, has only gained more traction in recent years, resonating deeply with a large segment of the American electorate.
According to recent polling, a significant majority of Americans now express concern over the surge in illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Polls show that nearly 70% of voters view illegal immigration as a serious issue, with many arguing that the Biden administration’s policies have exacerbated the problem. This surge in voter anxiety is reflected in the increasing popularity of Trump’s tough immigration rhetoric, which promises to restore control over the border and enforce stricter immigration laws.
In recent months, the growing chaos at the southern border has become a focal point in national political discourse. With thousands of migrants arriving at the border daily, many voters feel the government is not doing enough to stem the tide of illegal crossings. This frustration has only intensified as cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco struggle to accommodate the influx of migrants, leading to strained resources and mounting tensions in local communities.
According to a Gallup poll, upwards of 55% of Americans believe that immigration levels are “too high” with only 16% of Americans saying that immigration levels should actually increase. In 2020, only 28% of Americans shared with Gallup that immigration levels should decrease, with 34% saying it needed to increase in 2020.
That’s a stark change in just four years, and it’s a major reason why Donald Trump was able to win re-election so resoundingly. Immigration is on the minds of Americans and they are not warm to the idea of illegal immigrants getting away with breaking the law.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
