In a recent interview with NBC News, President-elect Donald Trump doubled down on his commitment to tightening US borders, asserting that it’s a matter of national security. He stated, “We obviously have to make the border strong and powerful.” While emphasizing the need for secure borders, Trump also expressed a welcoming stance towards lawful immigration, declaring, “We want people to come into our country.” He stressed, however, that immigrants must enter the country legally and demonstrate a commitment to American values.
Trump’s proposed immigration plan, which includes what he describes as the “largest deportation effort in American history,” has sparked significant discussion regarding its feasibility and cost. His plan would require a coordinated, “whole of government” approach, potentially costing billions. The ambitious scale of the plan has prompted debate among experts on its practicality and cost-effectiveness. Trump’s campaign estimates that around 18 million undocumented immigrants currently live in the US, though the Department of Homeland Security’s latest official figure, from January 1, 2022, puts the number under 11 million. The actual number of undocumented residents is further clouded by changes in immigration status or voluntary departures since then.
As Trump’s re-election campaign progresses, immigration policy remains a central focus, with a renewed emphasis on strengthening border security and implementing stricter deportation strategies. In recent pronouncements, Trump has vowed to target illegal immigration and pledged unprecedented deportation efforts if re-elected. He has characterized tackling illegal immigration as a “national crisis,” making it a top priority for a potential second term.
In a rally in Duluth, Georgia on October 23, Trump pledged, “Immediately upon taking the oath of office, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history.” He also vowed to shut down the border to illegal immigration within the “first hour of the first day” of his administration.
In an October 13 interview with Fox News, Trump expressed concerns about potential disruptions on Election Day, warning of “outside agitators” and what he called “the enemy from within.” He labelled radical left groups as a more significant threat than foreign adversaries, suggesting that the National Guard or military could be deployed if necessary. “We have some very bad people, radical left lunatics, and I think they’re the bigger problem,” he said.
At a rally in Aurora, Colorado on October 11, Trump intensified his rhetoric by proposing the death penalty for immigrants who kill U.S. citizens or law enforcement officers. He also unveiled plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to dismantle “every illegal migrant criminal network” in the U.S. This operation, dubbed “Operation Aurora,” would target gang members and criminal groups among immigrants. Trump described certain American towns as “invaded” and promised to shield communities from “bloodthirsty criminals.”
Speaking in Colorado on September 8, Trump claimed the U.S. faces a surge in “migrant crime,” predicting further escalation. “Crime is through the roof, and you haven’t seen the migrant crime yet,” he warned, asserting that migrants are “taking over sections of the state” and suggesting that reclaiming control would be “a bloody story.”
In an August 13 conversation on X (formerly Twitter) with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Trump reiterated his commitment to strict immigration enforcement, asserting that “millions of people” enter the country each month. He pledged to carry out the “largest deportation in the history of this country” if re-elected.
