Enforcing the Law: Trump’s Deportations in Action
There is a rising movement of lawfulness in the United States, and Democrats and the media are struggling to accept it.
President-elect Donald Trump’s mention of “mass deportation” is causing panic in blue jurisdictions, where efforts are being made to obstruct it.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has pledged, “I will do everything in my power to protect our undocumented immigrants.”
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston described a scenario where Denver would confront federal immigration authorities in a “Tiananmen Square moment”.
He later admitted that using such a historical reference was inappropriate, but maintained his willingness to challenge anything he sees as “illegal or immoral or un-American.”
If mass deportation is deemed unacceptable by Trump’s opponents, then perhaps the Biden administration should not have allowed a mass influx of illegal immigrants.
Given the severity of the issue Trump aims to address, his rhetoric surrounding deportation is fittingly strong. It aligns with past enforcement practices prior to the Biden administration.
As Andrew Arthur of the Center for Immigration Studies highlights, there were significant deportations under President Obama which saw a sharp decline under President Biden.
Obama only began restricting ICE towards the end of his presidency, while Biden immediately limited interior enforcement. He introduced rules to protect aliens and restricted ICE in certain cities.
The Biden administration increased removals and returns in fiscal year 2024, likely due to upcoming elections.
If Biden could increase deportations without drastic measures, then Trump should also be able to do so without causing chaos.
Even with political support, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations has limited resources and wouldn’t be able to deport all illegal aliens admitted under Biden.
Therefore, Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, priorities will focus on removing criminal aliens and national-security threats as a first step.
In his first administration, Trump targeted aliens with criminal records or pending charges, and may continue by going after those who have already been ordered deported but remain in the country.
Will Gov. Pritzker still defend these undocumented immigrants despite court orders for their deportation?
Trump’s military involvement in mass deportations doesn’t necessarily mean a door-to-door operation in cities like Los Angeles. The military has historically supported immigration enforcement in logistical roles.
Despite the fear-mongering, most people understand that Trump’s deportation program is a response to a crisis that wasn’t his creation and wasn’t desired by the majority.
In a CBS News Poll, 57% of respondents support Trump’s program to deport all illegal immigrants in the US.
Unlike Trump’s opponents, the public doesn’t oppose enforcement of immigration laws that have been neglected for too long.
Twitter: @RichLowry
