President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he plans to declare a national emergency over border security and use the U.S. military to carry out a mass deportation of undocumented migrants, setting a stark tone for his upcoming term. Trump’s announcement, which has revived fears among millions of immigrants living in the United States, marks a dramatic escalation in his immigration policies, which have already been subject to sharp criticism during his campaign.
Trump’s statement, made via his social media platform Truth Social, confirmed his commitment to drastic action on immigration. He amplified a post from a conservative activist that claimed he was “prepared to declare a national emergency and will use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.” Trump responded simply, “True!” indicating his endorsement of these measures. His promise to take aggressive action on immigration was a cornerstone of his election campaign, which ultimately led to his November 5 victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump’s comeback to the White House has been accompanied by an aggressive lineup of officials who share his hardline stance on immigration. Notably, he has named former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting chief Tom Homan as his “border czar.” Homan, well-known for his strong anti-immigration rhetoric, had made his stance clear during the Republican National Convention in July, addressing undocumented migrants directly: “I got a message to the millions of illegal immigrants that Joe Biden’s released in our country: You better start packing now.”
The upcoming deportation plans are expected to have profound consequences for the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants currently living in the United States. Trump’s proposed national emergency and the subsequent use of military forces could potentially affect around 20 million families across the country, either through direct deportation or through the deportation of family members. Critics have warned that such large-scale operations could lead to chaos, instill fear in immigrant communities, and even result in violations of constitutional rights.
Trump has consistently framed the migration issue as an existential threat to the United States. During his campaign, he used incendiary language, frequently referring to undocumented immigrants as criminals and rapists, and claiming they would “poison the blood” of the nation. His repeated references to an “invasion” have stirred anxiety and resentment among his supporters, with Trump positioning himself as the only leader willing to take drastic measures to protect American borders. He has also promised to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations. This law, last invoked during World War II to justify the internment of Japanese-Americans without due process, is seen by many as outdated and controversial.
The ongoing struggle to manage the southern border has long been a challenge for successive U.S. administrations. Under President Biden, there were record numbers of migrants crossing the border, peaking at 250,000 in December 2023. However, the numbers of U.S. Border Patrol encounters with migrants crossing illegally from Mexico have since returned to levels similar to those in 2020, the last year of Trump’s first term. Trump’s rhetoric and promises of a military-backed mass deportation appear to be an attempt to capitalize on frustrations over the perceived crisis at the border, despite migration numbers showing a decline.
Trump’s extreme approach, if implemented, is likely to face significant pushback not only from immigration advocates but also from legal experts, human rights organizations, and even some political leaders who fear the economic and humanitarian repercussions. The plan could face numerous legal challenges in the courts, especially considering the implications of declaring a national emergency and using military resources for internal law enforcement activities.
As Trump prepares to take office, his immigration stance promises to be among the most divisive and consequential policies of his administration. With millions of lives potentially affected, the country braces for a significant shift in how immigration and border security are addressed in the coming years. Whether Trump can overcome the legal, logistical, and ethical challenges of his ambitious deportation plan remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—immigration will once again take center stage in American political discourse under his leadership.