Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has once again made his stance on immigration crystal clear. He has promised to implement a large-scale deportation program if he wins the 2024 election. Speaking at a rally in Duluth, Georgia, on Wednesday, Trump declared, “Immediately upon taking the oath of office, I will launch the largest deportation programme in American history.” This declaration has sparked widespread debate and highlights the central role immigration policy will play in the upcoming election.
Trump’s plan goes beyond mere deportation. He has also proposed sealing the border to illegal migration within the first hour of his first day in office. He insists that addressing illegal immigration is a national crisis and will be a primary focus if he secures a second term.
Trump’s recent rhetoric has been particularly inflammatory, often echoing a narrative of rising crime linked to undocumented immigrants. He has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law passed during the Quasi-War with France, as a means to target what he calls “every illegal migrant criminal network operating within the US.” This initiative, dubbed “Operation Aurora,” aims to specifically target gang members and criminal elements among immigrants. Trump has gone so far as to describe numerous American towns as “invaded” by migrants and has vowed to protect communities from what he labels “bloodthirsty criminals.”
The former president has also warned of a surge in “migrant crime,” claiming that the situation is getting worse and will continue to do so. In a September 8 rally in Colorado, Trump told supporters, “Crime is through the roof, and you haven’t seen the migrant crime yet. It’s vicious, and it’s only just beginning.” He singled out Colorado, alleging that migrants are “taking over sections of the state” and ominously suggested that reclaiming control would be “a bloody story.”
Trump’s commitment to mass deportation was reiterated in an August 13 discussion on X (formerly Twitter) with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He stated, “You have millions of people coming in a month,” and promised to implement the “largest deportation in the history of this country” to combat illegal immigration.
Adding to the controversy, Trump has expressed concerns about potential disruptions on Election Day, warning of “outside agitators.” He has even suggested deploying the National Guard or, if necessary, the military to maintain order. In a Fox News interview on October 13, Trump asserted that radical left groups pose a greater threat than external actors, stating, “We have some very bad people, radical left lunatics, and I think they’re the bigger problem. If necessary, it should be handled by the National Guard, or even by the military if needed, because they can’t let that happen.”
Trump’s recent statements have been met with criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. His critics argue that his rhetoric is inflammatory and divisive, and that his proposed policies are unrealistic and potentially harmful. His supporters, however, maintain that he is taking a strong stand on an important issue and that his policies are necessary to protect American citizens.
The debate over immigration is likely to continue to be a major focus in the 2024 election. It remains to be seen whether Trump’s hardline stance will resonate with voters or alienate them. Regardless of the outcome, his promises of mass deportation and the deployment of the National Guard or military are sure to spark further controversy and raise significant questions about the future of immigration policy in the United States.