Related videos:
In the first month of Donald Trump's presidency, 37,660 people were deported, according to previously unpublished data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This figure is well below the monthly average of 57,000 deportations recorded during the last full year of Joe Biden's administration, reported the agency Reuters.
Despite these initial numbers, a senior official from the Trump administration and experts consulted by the outlet believe that deportations could increase in the coming months as new strategies are implemented to boost arrests and expulsions.
The DHS spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, suggested that the deportation statistics from the Biden era could appear "artificially high" due to elevated levels of illegal immigration.
Trump's campaign focused on the promise of mass deportations, aiming to expel millions of undocumented immigrants in what would be the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
However, the initial figures indicate that Trump may face challenges in matching the deportation rates observed under Biden, especially when a large number of migrants were caught crossing illegally, which facilitated their deportation.
In a related development, Caleb Vitello, the interim director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was reassigned last Friday due to not meeting expectations.
It is expected that the deportation initiative will gain momentum in the coming months, supported by new agreements with Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, and Costa Rica, which have agreed to accept deportees from other countries.
The U.S. military has also been involved in more than a dozen deportation flights to countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador.
Furthermore, the Trump administration has sent Venezuelan migrants to the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, with plans to detain up to 30,000 migrants there, despite opposition from civil rights groups.
Experts suggest that army-assisted deportations could expand due to the large budget and resources of the Pentagon.
Adam Isacson, a security expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, emphasized the potential for an increase in deportations with additional resources.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is also taking steps to facilitate the arrests of migrants with no criminal records and those with final deportation orders.
Last month, the Department of Justice issued a memo allowing ICE officers to make arrests in U.S. immigration courts, revoking a Biden-era policy that restricted such actions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Deportation Policies
How many immigrants has Trump deported in his first month in office?
In his first month, Donald Trump deported 37,660 people. This figure is significantly lower than the monthly average of deportations during the last year of Joe Biden's administration, which was 57,000 deportations per month.
Why are Trump's deportation figures lower than Biden's?
The initial deportation figures under Trump are lower because his administration is in the process of implementing new strategies to increase arrests and deportations. Additionally, the DHS spokesperson suggested that Biden's figures may appear "artificially high" due to the elevated levels of illegal immigration during his term.
Which countries have agreed to receive deportees under the Trump administration?
Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, and Costa Rica have agreed to accept deportees from other countries. These agreements are part of the Trump administration's efforts to increase deportations and facilitate international cooperation on migration issues.
How does Trump's deportation policy affect Venezuelan migrants?
Venezuelan migrants are being sent to the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, where up to 30,000 people are expected to be detained. This has sparked opposition from civil rights groups and criticism over the use of facilities known for their history of human rights violations.
What additional measures is Trump taking to facilitate deportations?
The Trump administration is moving to facilitate the arrests of migrants without criminal records and those with final deportation orders. Additionally, a new memorandum from the Department of Justice allows ICE officers to carry out arrests in U.S. immigration courts, revoking restrictions from the Biden era.
Filed under:
