Plans are underway for a mass deportation program, according to Tom Homan, who has been chosen by President-elect Trump to serve as Border Czar. Mr. Homan recently said that the program will need Congress to approve more funding. At least 100,000 detention beds will be required, which is more than double the 40,000 beds currently funded by Congress. Additionally, more Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be needed, and the U.S. military may be asked to help transport migrants.
Mr. Homan said the program is still being finalized to meet Trump’s campaign promises about deportations. The plan is expected to be ready by Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025. The main targets will be criminals, including gang members and fugitives. When asked how many undocumented people he aims to deport during Trump’s term, he did not give a number but said they will keep pursuing anyone in the country illegally.
He also explained that undocumented parents will be deported, even if their children are U.S. citizens. The children can stay in the U.S., but it will be up to the parents to decide where the children will go. He emphasized that U.S. citizens will not be deported, but having a U.S.-born child does not protect undocumented parents from deportation.
The Trump administration also plans to restart workplace immigration raids, which were stopped during the Biden administration. These raids could create problems for industries that depend on undocumented workers. The Biden administration focused on penalizing employers who exploit these workers instead of conducting large-scale raids.
In cities that limit ICE activities, immigration agents will carry out broader enforcement actions in neighborhoods, targeting all undocumented immigrants, not just criminals. Mr. Homan said these cities will see more arrests and deportations. The goal is to deport as many undocumented people as possible with the available resources, and the plan will continue throughout Trump’s four-year term.
As always, we are keeping track of updates on U.S. immigration. If you have questions about immigration issues, please reach out to us.