Former President Donald Trump recently outlined his plans to address the escalating migrant crisis and secure the U.S.-Mexico border if re-elected to the White House. In an exclusive interview with Time magazine, Trump discussed deploying the National Guard or other military troops to deport millions of illegal migrants, a strategy aimed at curbing record numbers of border crossings under President Joe Biden’s administration.
Trump’s proposed measures include building migrant detention camps, resuming the construction of a border wall, and reinstating policies like “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42. These policies were previously implemented during his tenure and were effective in managing the influx of migrants and addressing health concerns at the border.
The justification for these emergency measures would be the alarming increase in fentanyl trafficking and child trafficking, according to Trump’s advisers. This heightened security approach would also involve funding the border wall through allocations from the military budget, bypassing the need for congressional approval.
Central to Trump’s plan is the mass deportation of over 11 million undocumented migrants, a task that would primarily involve the National Guard but could also extend to other military branches if necessary. Trump emphasized that these actions would not violate the Posse Comitatus Act, as the individuals targeted are not legally in the country.
In addition to military support, Trump intends to enlist the help of local law enforcement agencies. He stated that police departments unwilling to cooperate would face funding denials, underscoring his commitment to enforcing immigration laws and securing the border.
Trump’s immigration strategy aligns with his broader agenda for a second term, which includes extending his 2017 tax cuts and implementing comprehensive border security legislation. These proposals come at a time when Trump and Biden are gearing up for a potential rematch in the upcoming presidential election, with recent polls indicating strong support for Trump among likely voters.
