The Trump administration is preparing to reintroduce strict immigration policies, signaling a return to large-scale deportations and expanded detention facilities, according to multiple sources familiar with the plans. These efforts reflect campaign promises made by President-elect Donald Trump, who emphasized immigration enforcement as a cornerstone of his 2024 agenda.
Unlike his first term, which prioritized constructing a border wall, Trump’s upcoming administration is focusing on interior enforcement, targeting undocumented immigrants already residing in the U.S.
Plans under consideration include reviving controversial policies like the “Remain in Mexico” program, which requires migrants to await U.S. immigration proceedings in Mexico, and reinstating family detention—a practice ended by President Joe Biden. Officials are also exploring mandatory detention policies that would eliminate the practice of releasing migrants due to limited resources.
Key figures leading these efforts include former immigration officials and hardliners such as Tom Homan, who is expected to serve as “border czar,” Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security.
Expanding Detention Capacity
The administration is exploring options to significantly expand detention facilities, particularly in major metropolitan areas, with discussions underway about building new centers and using existing county jails. Private operators, like CoreCivic, which manages detention centers, are also preparing to increase capacity. CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger recently told investors there is likely to be a higher demand for detention space under the new administration.
Officials are also considering declaring a national emergency to unlock Pentagon resources for detention infrastructure, a move Trump previously employed during his first term to fund the border wall.
Executive Actions on Day One
The incoming administration is planning immediate executive orders to reverse Biden-era policies, including revoking protections under humanitarian parole programs, tightening asylum rules, and intensifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
These measures are expected to prioritize public safety and national security threats while targeting undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. “The immediate focus is about who’s already here,” a source close to the planning stated.
Historical Context and Criticism
During Trump’s first term, more than 1.5 million people were deported—less than the 2.9 million deportations during Barack Obama’s first term but still a record-breaking effort for a single-term presidency. Advocacy groups have sharply criticized Trump’s approach, particularly policies like family separation, which Homan, one of the architects of Trump’s immigration strategy, previously defended.
Challenges Ahead
While the plans signal a return to Trump’s hardline immigration policies, they hinge on securing sufficient funding. Without additional support from Congress, the administration is considering reallocating existing resources and engaging the private sector to meet its objectives.
“This is a comprehensive effort to reestablish control over immigration and deliver on campaign promises,” said Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the Trump-Vance transition team. The moves are expected to reignite fierce debate over immigration policy, pitting the administration against Democrats and immigrant advocacy groups.
SOURCE: CNN
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