Donald Trump’s administration is putting the finishing touches on a series of tough immigration executive orders that are set to be unveiled shortly after the president-elect’s inauguration ceremony. This move signals the start of a nationwide crackdown on immigration, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. The proposed actions represent a significant shift in immigration policy, impacting both current residents and asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border.
The plans include Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in major cities, increased military presence at the southern border, tighter restrictions on entry to the US, and the reversal of policies put in place during the Biden administration. A source told CNN that these measures will lead to deportations, arrests, and enforcement efforts in sanctuary cities, with a continuous escalation over the first 30 to 100 days.
Initially, the focus will be on removing undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds from urban centers like Washington, DC, Denver, and Chicago. However, others encountered during these operations may also be detained. Key figures in Trump’s immigration agenda include potential Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, border czar Tom Homan, and policy advisor Stephen Miller, who emphasized the importance of securing the border for national security.
Trump’s team is preparing to increase border security measures and make significant changes to the immigration system. The incoming administration is considering various actions, including revoking birthright citizenship and revisiting the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Immediate steps may involve declaring a national emergency, suspending entry at the border, and implementing a new travel ban with a focus on vetting concerns.
Additionally, plans are underway to eliminate a program that grants temporary legal status to Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan migrants, potentially affecting thousands of recent arrivals in the US. The overarching goal, as stated by a source, is to fulfill Trump’s promise to address illegal immigration, secure the border, and remove threats to national security.
“Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team, expressed confidence in their commitment to making communities safer. Emphasizing the importance of interior enforcement, Trump officials are focusing efforts on immigration raids in cities led by Democrats. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased arrests and deportations under the Biden administration, reaching the highest level since 2014. Plans to intensify ICE operations require additional funding from Congress and may take time to implement.
Sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, are a key target for the incoming administration. Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan has criticized these cities for hindering public safety efforts. The administration also plans to work with jurisdictions that do cooperate with federal authorities through programs like 287G.
Expanding detention space for undocumented immigrants is a challenge that requires more resources. Homan stated that at least 100,000 beds would be needed, doubling the current capacity of 40,000 beds funded for ICE. Companies, including real estate firms, are expressing interest in contributing to detention efforts.
The administration aims to establish a sustained high level of removal operations, requiring sufficient federal funding. Trump plans to utilize executive orders related to border security, building on measures implemented by President Biden to reduce migrant crossings along the US-Mexico border.”
The authority known as 212f, which permits the President of the United States to implement immigration restrictions, has been cited as a factor contributing to the decrease in border crossings. In the year 2018, President Trump endeavored to utilize this authority to curb the influx of migrants at the border. However, this move was met with legal challenges, culminating in a ruling by a federal appeals court that deemed it in conflict with existing asylum law. As a result, the 212f authority was deemed not to supersede asylum protections.
President Trump is anticipated to once again invoke this authority in his second term, particularly focusing on its application to the southern border. In addition to this, the administration’s initial executive orders include the initiation of negotiations for the reinstatement of the program colloquially referred to as “Remain in Mexico.” This program mandates that migrants remain in Mexico while undergoing immigration proceedings in the United States.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to re-establish the Asylum Cooperative Agreements that were previously implemented during the first term of the Trump administration. These agreements heralded a significant departure from traditional US asylum policy, enabling the transfer of individuals with potential asylum claims to third-party countries where they would be required to present their case.
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