President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he intends to declare a national emergency and use military forces to implement his goal of mass deportations of undocumented migrants residing within the United States.
Trump responded overnight to a Truth Social post from Judicial Watch’s Tom Fitton, who reported that the incoming administration is reportedly preparing to use “military assets” to deport migrants.
“TRUE!!!” Trump wrote in response.
While he was out on the campaign trail, Trump reiterated his pledge to begin mass deportations upon taking office.
“On Day 1, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out,” he said during a rally at Madison Square Garden in October. “I will rescue every city and town that has been invaded and conquered, and we will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail, then kick them the hell out of our country as fast as possible.”
U.S. Border Patrol encounters with migrants experienced a significant decline from over 200,000 per month in late 2022 to below 60,000 during the months of July, August, and September of the following year.
Trump has already appointed two key cabinet members who are staunch advocates for immigration restrictions to assist him. Former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Tom Homan, will serve as “Border Czar” in his administration. Stephen Miller will serve as his Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, focusing on immigration policies.
Homan has been a prominent figure on Fox News, where he characterizes immigration as an “invasion.” Border states, such as Texas, have also labeled immigration as an “invasion” in order to secure additional military aid and assistance for their deportation plans.
Approximately 11 million undocumented migrants reside in the United States without legal immigration status.
“Voters re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals,” said Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the Trump-Vance transition. “He will deliver.”
