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The incoming president Donald Trump's administration is planning to undertake a series of drastic actions regarding immigration, focusing his first day in office on a massive operation of arrests and deportations of irregular immigrants in United States.
According to reports from U.S. media, Trump and his team have identified key cities like Chicago to begin arrests, particularly targeting immigrants with criminal records. This action is part of a broader plan that includes reactivating Title 42, a policy that allowed for the rapid expulsion of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In parallel, the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, announced a state plan to address illegal immigration in accordance with the proposed federal policies.
DeSantis's plan includes greater collaboration between local and federal authorities to enforce immigration laws, and measures such as granting local authorities the power to detain and deport undocumented immigrants are anticipated. This initiative also calls for state penalties for irregular immigration.
On the other hand, Kristi Noem, who has been nominated as Secretary of Homeland Security, has announced her intention to close the CBP One application, which was used to manage appointments and immigration procedures. This announcement is part of a broader approach that also seeks to reinstate the "Remain in Mexico" program and review other policies deemed lax in border security.
Tom Homan, who will be the new "border czar" of the Trump administration, emphasized that this operation will not be limited to Chicago, as actions will be deployed in multiple cities across the 24 field offices of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
These actions have triggered alerts in sanctuary cities, which have shown reluctance to collaborate with federal authorities regarding deportations. Despite this, some officials, such as the mayor of New York, Eric Adams, have begun to discuss the removal of immigrants convicted of violent crimes.
According to Homan's announcement, Chicago will be the starting point for the mass deportations of undocumented immigrants in the United States. This plan, which aims to strengthen border security, will focus on individuals with deportation orders and criminal records.
During an event in that city, Homan urged Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Governor of Illinois to collaborate with federal authorities, warning that he will face legal consequences if there are any obstructions. Furthermore, he emphasized that operations will begin on January 21, with a strong deployment of ICE agents in the city.
Homan's immigration strategy also involves the deportation of asylum seekers whose status has been denied, and it has been criticized for its potential impact on human rights.
Despite acknowledging that they do not wish to separate families, Homan emphasized that current immigration laws will be enforced. The designation of Chicago as the center of operations directly challenges Illinois' "sanctuary city" policies, which limit cooperation with federal agencies. This policy may create tensions between local and federal authorities, particularly between Democrats and Republicans.
In recent interviews, such as the one broadcast by CNN, Homan has reiterated that mass deportations will begin from the very first day of the new administration, facing significant logistical and political challenges.
One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of infrastructure to accommodate detained immigrants, as at least 100,000 beds would be needed daily, far exceeding ICE's current capacity.
This lack of infrastructure is a key issue discussed in the interviews and is a significant impediment to the implementation of the plan. The approval of the necessary funds will depend on Congress, adding uncertainty to the project. Homan has emphasized the importance of negotiating bipartisan support given the distribution of power in both chambers.
In addition to logistical challenges, the plan faces ethical and legal criticisms, particularly regarding the deportation of undocumented parents with U.S. citizen children. This aspect has raised concerns among human rights groups about the destabilizing effect it could have on families.
There is also controversy surrounding the use of the National Guard in these operations, which has been perceived as a possible militarization of immigration management. Sanctuary cities and their reluctance to cooperate with the federal government present another significant challenge, forcing immigration authorities to conduct more aggressive operations in urban areas, as detailed in The Gas Stove. These operations could increase tensions with local communities and face public criticism.
These immigration policies of the Trump administration not only aim for a stricter internal enforcement but also involve a significant shift in international relations, especially with Mexico and other countries in Latin America.
Although these plans have generated controversy, facing criticism for their potential humanitarian impact and doubts about their long-term legal sustainability, for Trump and his allies, they represent necessary efforts to protect what they consider the sovereignty and security of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mass Deportations in the U.S. under the Trump Administration
Where will the mass deportations announced by the Trump administration begin?
Mass deportations will begin in Chicago, designated by Tom Homan, Trump's "border czar," as the "ground zero" for these actions. This plan will focus on individuals with pending deportation orders and criminal backgrounds.
What immigration measures does Trump plan to implement from his first day in office?
Trump plans massive arrests of undocumented immigrants and to reactivate Title 42 to allow for the swift expulsion of migrants. Additionally, the closure of the CBP One application is anticipated along with the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" program.
What challenges does Chicago face regarding mass deportations?
Chicago faces a direct challenge to its "sanctuary city" policies, which limit cooperation with federal agencies on immigration matters. The implementation of these measures could create tensions between local and federal authorities.
What is the expected impact of the closure of the CBP One application?
The closure of CBP One could make it more difficult to manage appointments and immigration processes, impacting immigrants seeking asylum or legal procedures in the U.S. This application allowed for the scheduling of appointments from various regions, including southern Mexico.
What role does Tom Homan play in Trump's mass deportation plan?
Tom Homan has been appointed as the "border czar" and will oversee the implementation of the plan. His focus will be on strengthening border security and coordinating the necessary actions to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
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