Mass deportations was a major part of the president-elect’s 2024 campaign messaging.
President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Nov. 18 that he will declare a nationwide emergency to carry out mass deportations of illegal immigrants, a move he frequently proposed while on the campaign trail.
Tom Fitton, the head of the conservative legal group Judicial Watch, wrote in a Nov. 9 post on the social media platform Truth Social that he had heard “reports” that Trump was “prepared to declare a national emergency and will use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.”
On Monday, Trump reposted Fitton’s remark on Truth Social, responding, “TRUE!!”
In his post, the president-elect did not elaborate more on his plans, but the vow to initiate mass deportations was a major part of Trump’s 2024 campaign messaging strategy.
Trump and running mate JD Vance often publicly pledged to carry out the plan and to reverse Biden-era immigration orders, saying that it’s a needed step to reduce crime and the fentanyl overdose epidemic and improve the U.S. economy.
One of Trump’s first cabinet selections was former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan to become his “border czar” and help initiate the plan.
Homan and Vance have indicated in interviews that the incoming Trump administration will prioritize deporting criminal illegal immigrants.
In a Fox News interview earlier this month, Homan said he would prioritize “public safety threats and national security threats” and increase workplace inspections for illegal immigrants.
“Worksite operations have to happen,” he said. “Where do we find most victims of sex trafficking and forced labor trafficking? At work sites.”
Trump, Vance, and Homan have argued that the moves will improve the U.S. economy, and Vance has specifically said that it will drive down rent and housing prices.
“President Trump’s plan over time is going to save the taxpayers money,” Homan said in a Nov. 10 Fox interview, adding that the current administration is “paying $500 a night” to house illegal immigrants in hotel rooms in New York City. “Meanwhile, there’s empty ICE beds at $127 a night, so President Trump’s plans will save taxpayers money over time.”
