Undocumented Migrants Hope Trump Mass Deportations Only ‘for Criminals’; Mass Deportations and Border Wall: Senator Shares ‘Day 1’ Donald Trump Plan

Undocumented migrants hope Trump mass deportations only ‘for criminals’:

Gabriela entered the United States more than two decades ago, gasping for breath under a pile of corn stalks in the boot of a smuggler’s car.

Now a housekeeper in Maryland, the Bolivian national is one of at least 13 million undocumented migrants living in the US – an umbrella term that includes those who entered the US illegally, overstayed their visas or have protected status to avoid deportation.

Across the US, migrants like Gabriela are grappling with what the incoming Trump administration’s vow to conduct mass deportations could mean for their future.

In over a dozen interviews, undocumented immigrants said it was a topic of heated discussion in their communities, WhatsApp groups and social media.

Some, like Gabriela, believe it won’t impact them at all.

“I’m not scared at all, actually,” she said. “That’s for criminals to worry about. I pay taxes, and I work.”

“In any case, I’m undocumented,” she added. “[So] how would they even know about me?”

In an election campaign where immigration loomed large as a major concern of US voters, Trump frequently pledged to deport migrants en masse from US soil from his first day in office if he were to return to the presidency.

But nearly two weeks after his sweeping election win, it remains unclear what exactly these immigration enforcement operations will look like.

The president-elect has insisted cost won’t be an issue, and has confirmed he plans to declare a national emergency to secure the necessary resources. But experts have cautioned that his promises may run into enormous financial and logistics challenges.

His newly appointed “border tsar”, Tom Homan, has said that undocumented migrants deemed to be national security or public safety threats will be a priority. And he has suggested workplace raids – a practice ended by the Biden administration – could return.

Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, the former acting director of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement during Trump’s first term challenged the notion that “those who enforce the law are the bad guys and those who break the law are the victims”. —>READ MORE HERE

Mass Deportations and Border Wall: Senator Shares ‘Day 1’ Donald Trump Plan:

Senate Republican has shared with Newsweek President-elect Donald Trump’s “Day One” plans, which include the controversial mass deportation policy.

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, of Alabama, said there were two more main thrusts to the immigration policy that his party was keen to launch as soon as possible, extending the border wall and reverting to the Remain in Mexico policy.

The immigration issue helped Trump deliver a commanding victory over Vice President Kamala Harris as he swept the swing states and the GOP took control of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and upper chamber Republicans say they are determined not to disappoint the electorate.

Tuberville said: “Americans delivered a clear mandate last Tuesday—they want President Trump’s America First agenda, and they want it now. My top priority is working with President Trump on Day One to build the wall, reinstate Remain in Mexico, and deport those who never should have been admitted in the first place.”

Newsweek has emailed Donald Trump’s team for comment.

Border Wall

Donald Trump’s 2017 border wall policy aimed to construct a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border to curb illegal immigration and enhance national security. It involved reallocating federal funds, using existing barriers, and promoting stricter immigration enforcement. It faced legal challenges and significant political debate throughout his presidency.

A slight majority, 51 percent, back Trump’s flagship 2016 border wall policy, according to polling. But 53 per cent support significantly expanding the construction of walls along the U.S.-Mexico border, up 13 points since 2019, a Gallup survey shows.

Republicans have promised to resume construction of the wall to curb the flow of migration, and GOP lawmakers argue it will deter human and drug traffickers.

“Thousands of Americans have died as a direct result of the fentanyl pouring across the border and violent criminals who have been welcomed into our country by our own government,” Senator Tuberville said.

Mass Deportations

Mass deportation was at the forefront of the Republican November 5 election platform, and it resonated with voters as 75,870,881 Americans voted for Trump compared to 72,857,82 for Harris.

Trump proposes to deport millions of undocumented immigrants through a broad, forceful strategy. His plan would mobilize federal, state, and local law enforcement, potentially even involving the National Guard.

Trump’s team describes the approach as the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting those deemed “illegal criminals” or posing security threats.

Critics argue it would be nearly impossible to implement logistically and will likely face resistance from state governments and the military, due to legal and ethical concerns regarding the involvement of domestic law enforcement.

Trump has said he wishes to deport 15 to 20 million people as part of a plan for “mass deportation” if he becomes president. —>READ MORE HERE

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