During the Trump administration’s first 100 days, tremendous strides have been made towards accomplishing the President’s campaign promise of mass deportation. Despite this progress, fewer than 100,000 illegal aliens have been deported.
If President Trump is to accomplish his campaign promise of “the largest deportation operation in American history” by the end of his term, the next 100 days of his administration must be at least as effective as the first. Currently, there are an estimated 12-20 million illegal aliens in the US, including over one million who have received and ignored final deportation orders. ICE has not even succeeded in deporting aliens they have identified.
Trump’s most significant obstacle is a personnel shortage. The Department of Homeland Security cannot meet deportation goals on its own due to limits in recruiting, training, and processing staff. The Trump administration will have to utilize the resources available strategically.
Working with other federal agencies and state and local partners in the 287(g) program will bring added intelligence, manpower, and logistical support. Federal agencies should focus their efforts on areas with high concentrations of illegal aliens. In particular, worksites in sectors like agriculture and construction are likely to produce the highest number of arrests and should be prioritized.
Because employment remains the main incentive for illegal immigration, targeting job opportunities is the most effective way to deter future crossings and to encourage self-deportation. Mass deportation is an enormous task, and the President faces serious constraints in both time and resources.
Texans for Strong Borders appreciates the progress made so far, but recognizes that this effort is only beginning and that a long and challenging path still lies ahead.