Official statistics from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Trump's Deportation Plan Targets 2 Million Criminals, Starts January 20

Dec 18, 2024, 01:00 PM

President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to initiate a large-scale deportation effort, which he has described as the largest in U.S. history, starting January 20. The plan, spearheaded by newly appointed border czar Tom Homan, will target illegal immigrants, prioritizing the deportation of 2 million individuals with criminal records and those who have been ordered deported by a judge. Homan has warned that 'collateral arrests'—detentions of individuals without criminal histories—are expected, particularly in sanctuary cities. The administration plans to involve federal and local law enforcement, with Homan urging local police, including those in Aurora, Colorado, to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump has also indicated the use of the National Guard and potentially military aircraft to facilitate deportations. Experts project that 150,000 migrants from Mexico and Central America could be deported in the first phase, though Trump aims to deport up to one million people initially. Critics have raised concerns about the economic and social impact of the plan, particularly in states with large immigrant populations, such as California, Florida, and New York. The administration is also exploring agreements with countries like Mexico and El Salvador to receive deported individuals.