First City Selected
Trump Set to Initiate Mass Deportations
Updated on January 18,2025 – 03:45 AMReading time: 2 Min.
Donald Trump is poised to commence mass deportations of undocumented immigrants shortly after taking office.
Reports indicate that Trump’s administration plans to initiate mass deportations of migrants as early as next week, right after his inauguration. According to the “wall Street Journal,” the operation is set to kick off in Chicago, with deportations expected to begin on Tuesday morning adn continue throughout the week. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly deploying between 100 and 200 officers to carry out the operation.
During his campaign, Trump frequently promised to execute the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, targeting undocumented immigrants who have violated laws. The previous biden administration had adopted a more lenient approach, ofen overlooking minor infractions such as traffic violations. Under Trump’s new policy, even undocumented immigrants present during the arrest of another individual could face deportation.
Chicago was reportedly chosen for the operation due to its notable immigrant population and the ongoing tensions between Trump and the city’s mayor,Brandon Johnson,over immigration policies.Tom Homan, Trump’s point person on border issues, indicated last month that the city was a purposeful choice. “We will begin right here in Chicago, illinois,” Homan stated at a Christmas event in the city’s North side. “If the mayor of Chicago does not want to cooperate, he can step aside.But if he obstructs us or knowingly provides shelter to an undocumented immigrant, I will pursue criminal charges against him.”
In preparation for these actions, U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted security drills involving barbed wire and concrete blocks at the U.S.-Mexico border. Observers noted that traffic was halted for 40 minutes on an international bridge connecting El Paso, Texas, to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, during these exercises.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office in El Paso, these drills have been ongoing since 2019, aimed at preparing officers for potential incidents at the border. Residents of Ciudad Juárez have reported an increase in these exercises leading up to Trump’s inauguration.
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. The big news on the horizon is former President Donald Trump’s renewed promise to initiate mass deportations, as he claims there’s ‘no price tag’ for this plan. can you share your insights on how realistic this strategy is, especially in the context of the current political landscape?
Expert: Good morning! Trump’s mass deportation strategy raises many questions. Historically, efforts of this scale encounter meaningful legal, logistical, and social hurdles. Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance, suggested carrying it out sequentially, implying an organized approach to the deportations. However, the feasibility of such a plan is highly debated among immigration experts[1[1[1[1][2[2[2[2].
Time.news Editor: Fascinating. It sounds like there are ample barriers. What kind of backlash or resistance might this plan face from various stakeholders?
Expert: There is likely to be considerable opposition from immigrant rights groups, legal organizations, and even segments of the public who view mass deportations as inhumane. For families with mixed immigration status, where some members are citizens and others are undocumented, the plan could be especially contentious[3[3[3[3].
time.news Editor: That brings up an critically importent point about public sentiment. Given the current political climate and the upcoming elections, how do you think voters will react to this mass deportation promise?
Expert: Voter reaction may vary widely. Some of Trump’s base supports strict immigration policies and may view his promise favorably. However, broader public opinion can be influenced by the portrayal of these policies in the media and the narratives shaped by advocacy groups. The tension between perceived safety and humanitarian concerns creates a complex landscape that could swing voter sentiment in either direction[1[1[1[1][2[2[2[2].
Time.news Editor: thank you for your perspectives. As we move forward, it will be intriguing to see how this issue develops and its implications for both the 2024 elections and immigration policy in the U.S.