Anticipating the Impact of Trump Administration’s Mass Deportation Strategies

EAGLE PASS, Texas—Incoming border czar Tom Homan has affirmed that states like Texas will have a strong ally in the White House to bolster security at the U.S. southern border.

Homan and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott have pledged a new era of collaboration between the federal government and states committed to securing the border as President-elect Donald Trump’s deportation plan takes shape. Last week, they served early Thanksgiving meals to Texas Department of Public Safety law enforcement and Texas National Guard members.

“The first morning I woke up with a smile on my face was the day after the election when President Trump won because he’s going to come back. He’s going to finish the job he started,” said Homan, the former acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Trump and Homan have discussed several ideas, including reversing policies from the Biden administration, declaring a national emergency, utilizing the military for deportations, reinstating executive orders from Trump’s first administration, activating the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, defunding NGOs, and partnering with supportive states.

Homan commended Texas for its border enforcement efforts over the past four years, which included installing fencing and razor wire, placing barriers in the Rio Grande, and constructing its own border wall. Texas has even offered a 1,400-acre ranch for use as a deportation hub.

Homan emphasized the national security threat posed by the large number of unvetted illegal immigrants crossing the border, especially the “gotaways” who remain uncounted in the 10.8 million documented illegal immigrant encounters since 2021 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“If you don’t think a single one of the 2 million from a country sponsor of terror isn’t coming to cause harm, then you’re an idiot,” Homan remarked.

Partnering With States

Senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, Hans von Spakovsky, anticipates the Trump administration will immediately drop federal lawsuits against state efforts to curb illegal immigration.

“I have no doubt that Tom Homan will direct DHS to work closely with states like Texas to combat this. It will be a complete reversal of the past four years,” von Spakovsky stated.

Trump has nominated South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead DHS, encompassing ICE and Border Patrol, along with other agencies like the U.S. Secret Service and FEMA.

Former Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol Rodney Scott, who served under both Trump and Biden, indicated that Trump is likely to build upon his first term’s initiatives. Scott, now a senior fellow for border security with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, suggested the expansion of the 287(g) program.

However, the complexity lies in the resistance of certain sanctuary states and cities. ICE might need to extend efforts to apprehend illegal immigrants by reaching out to their homes instead of detaining them in jails.

Scott noted that funds currently allocated to assist illegal immigrants can be redirected to enforcement efforts. For instance, resources used for temporary tents could now serve as staging areas for deportations.

While the administration may prioritize removing criminals and those with deportation orders initially, individuals who have overstayed visas or entered the country illegally are not exempt from deportation.

State and City Pushback

While some state leaders are eager to collaborate with the federal government to curb illegal immigration, others have vowed to resist.

She affirmed, “I can assure you we’re going to deliver and work hard to withstand the pressure on states and state officials.”

She remarked, “I’m committed to protecting Arizonans from harm by the federal government and anyone else.”

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis are leading the newly formed “Governors Safeguarding Democracy” to combat “authoritarianism” and protect “democratic institutions.”

She emphasized, however, that any attempt by the new administration to harm New Yorkers or infringe on their rights would be met with resistance at every step.

Similarly, city leaders in Democratic-run cities like Los Angeles and Denver have stated their opposition to cooperating with deportation efforts.

Johnston mentioned potential strategies to prevent federal immigration officials from carrying out deportations in Denver.

He stated, “It’s like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right? You’d have every one of those Highland moms who came out for the migrants. And you do not want to mess with them.”

Deportation Strategy

Homan’s approach to mass deportation appears to involve a multi-faceted strategy, targeting the removal of illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds and existing deportation orders initially. Other measures include the implementation of policies to encourage voluntary departure or make it more challenging for them to remain.

The initial phase is expected to focus on the removal of the most violent criminal illegal immigrants in the U.S. and those with federal deportation orders already in place.

Homan issued a warning to gangs like Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang, that their activities in the U.S. are numbered.

He emphasized the urgency of removing individuals with existing deportation orders to send a clear message that illegal entry into the U.S. will not be tolerated.

Furthermore, Scott stressed the importance of targeting known criminals with deportation orders to set the tone for a stricter immigration policy.

He highlighted the fact that there’s a substantial number of individuals with final removal orders still in the country, indicating the need to address these individuals promptly.

Additionally, Homan’s plan involves incentivizing voluntary departure by illegal immigrants to avoid deportation and a 20-year ban from reentering the U.S. on work or tourist visas.

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