Former President Donald Trump has made a significant announcement regarding his plans for immigration if he secures a second term in the White House.
Speaking at a rally in Dubuque, Iowa, on Wednesday, September 20, as reported by The Hill, Trump vowed to reimpose and expand the travel ban that initially targeted several majority-Muslim countries.
Additionally, he outlined a series of robust measures aimed at curbing immigration and enforcing stricter border security.
One of the key points in Trump’s proposal is his intention to execute the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.
This ambitious plan, as outlined in his prepared remarks, would involve invoking the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to 1798.
This act, part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, grants the authority to deport immigrants from countries at war with the United States.
Under this provision, Trump intends to remove known or suspected gang members, drug dealers, and cartel members from the country.
Trump’s approach to immigration enforcement goes beyond rhetoric. He articulated his intention to redirect sections of federal law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to prioritize immigration-related matters.
This strategic reallocation of resources underscores Trump’s commitment to strengthening border security.
In addition, Trump emphasized his willingness to deploy troops to the southern border if deemed necessary.
He also proposed deploying the Navy to implement a blockade in the region, specifically targeting the spread of fentanyl.
These measures reflect Trump’s determination to address not only illegal immigration but also the broader implications of border security on national security.
One of the most contentious policies from Trump’s first term was the travel ban, which faced legal challenges before ultimately being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
Trump now intends to resurrect and expand this policy, with a specific focus on preventing entry by individuals associated with radical Islamic terrorism.
The proposed expansion would also include provisions to deny entry to individuals classified as communists and Marxists.
Trump’s stance on immigration reflects a rightward shift within the Republican Party, departing from previous calls for compromise on border security and citizenship for young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Instead, Trump and other GOP candidates are prioritizing a tough stance on migrants at the southern border, characterizing it at times as an “invasion,” and criticizing the Biden administration’s policies.
Recent reports indicate a surge in migrant families crossing the U.S. border in August, despite efforts by the Biden administration to discourage such entries.
This increase followed a summer lull following the end of Title 42, a Trump-era policy allowing swift expulsion of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
