Donald Trump is preparing to use the military to carry out mass deportations

Donald Trump said Monday that he would use emergency powers and the U.S. military to carry out his mass deportation plan—a focus of immigration repression he promised during his 2024 campaign. Although he did not provide further details, this would be an extreme move and trigger immediate legal challenges from immigration groups.

Trump declared a national emergency during his first term, during a dispute with Congress over funding for his border wall. Although that decision was influenced by the ban, the Supreme Court—which then included a five-member conservative majority—siding with the Trump administration. Joe Biden ended up declaring a national emergency on his first day in office, later saying it was “unwarranted.”

A national emergency, aimed at mass deportations, seems similarly absurd – especially in light of The number of border crossings decreased significantly this year. But this time, Trump may be on even friendlier legal ground. The Supreme Court currently has six conservative members, three of whom he appointed; He will be possible install Trump-friendly judges throughout the judicial system; and his allies are working ahead to introduce anti-immigration measures that could fend off lawsuits.

Trump has promised to begin “the largest deportation program in American history” on his first day in office. “I will rescue every city and town that is invaded and conquered,” he said. told supporters at the Madison Square Garden rally in October. “We will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail, then get them out of our country as quickly as possible.”

But the crackdown is expected to go beyond “bloodthirsty criminals”: Tom HomanHis upcoming “border czar” has warning that “if you are in the country illegally, you better be careful.” And even people To be In the country, legally there is reason to be concerned: Stephen Millerwho will be his deputy chief of staff for policy, has advocated ending birthright citizenship as well as a humanitarian parole program that helps migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti enter the country legally easier. And J.D. Vance—who spread racist lies about Haitian immigrants in Ohio during the campaign—has propose Biden administration’s temporary protected status for Haitians as “illegal”: “Who in this country has agreed to allow millions of aliens to enter this country unchecked, without checked?” Vance asked at a rally. “None of us do.”

Implementing this dark, anti-immigrant vision comes with significant logistical challenges. But, of course, that hasn’t stopped Trump from continuing to take aggressive, inhumane measures — including family separation — before. Trump, more empowered than ever, could go even further in his second term.