- Trump says US military will lead mass deportations
- He says deportations will begin on his first day in office, though logistics suggest otherwise
- He will declare a national emergency to mobilise military resources, including the National Guard
Trump says US military will lead mass deportations
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed plans to use the military to carry out mass deportations of undocumented migrants, marking one of the most ambitious immigration initiatives in U.S. history. On his Truth Social platform, Trump endorsed claims that he would declare a national emergency to mobilise military resources, including the National Guard, to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the effort.
While Trump insists deportations will begin on his first day in office, experts warn of significant logistical and legal hurdles. ICE’s current workforce of 20,000 agents would face immense challenges locating and processing millions of undocumented individuals. Costs are expected to be staggering, but Trump has dismissed financial concerns, stating his administration’s commitment to the plan is unwavering.
Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, have already begun filing lawsuits to challenge the proposal. Trump’s team, which includes key allies like Kristi Noem as Homeland Security nominee and Tom Homan as “border tsar,” is still finalising details. Homan indicated the Department of Defense could play a significant role in easing ICE’s workload.
During Trump’s previous term, approximately 1.5 million people were deported, a figure that would pale in comparison to his current plans. Critics argue the proposal could face significant pushback in the courts, raising doubts about its feasibility and the potential for widespread disruption.