Jerry Jackson Donald Trump has outlined plans for nationwide deportations targeting undocumented migrants. The first operations are set to begin immediately after his inauguration.
Chicago Selected for Initial Deportation Efforts
Donald Trump’s administration is launching extensive immigration raids across the United States starting Tuesday. Tom Homan, the incoming head of border enforcement, confirmed that the operations will leave no undocumented migrant untouched. “If you’re here illegally, there will be consequences,” Homan declared. Chicago, one of the nation’s “sanctuary cities,” will be the first site of these large-scale actions.
In Chicago, 200 ICE agents will lead the effort, which is expected to last a week. While the city has policies to protect undocumented migrants by limiting cooperation with federal authorities, local police stated they would not obstruct federal agents during the operation. These planned raids could affect hundreds of migrants in the city alone.
Intensified Border Operations and Humanitarian Challenges
Approximately 11 million undocumented migrants reside in the United States. If carried out, these deportations could impact 20 million people, including families. To implement this agenda, Trump plans to declare a national emergency and utilize military resources. Meanwhile, security measures along the U.S.-Mexico border have visibly increased.
In El Paso, Texas, customs officials recently conducted drills that temporarily halted traffic on a major international bridge for 40 minutes. These exercises aim to prepare border agents for potential conflicts or disruptions. Residents in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, reported a noticeable increase in similar activities since Trump’s election. Ciudad Juárez, a vital crossing for migrants fleeing difficult conditions, has been under mounting pressure.
Mexican Border Cities Prepare for Strain
Mexican cities like Tijuana are bracing for the fallout of potential mass deportations. Claudia Portela, a leader at Proyecto Salesiano, described the situation as increasingly dire. Tijuana has declared a state of emergency, preparing emergency shelters to accommodate a potential surge in deported individuals. Plans include converting sports facilities into temporary housing.
Despite these measures, local infrastructure might struggle to meet the demand. Tijuana, already managing one of the world’s busiest border crossings, could face overwhelming challenges. Deportations have risen significantly since Trump’s election, mirroring policies from his previous term.
The sweeping deportation plans signal a dramatic escalation in immigration enforcement, affecting millions and straining resources on both sides of the border.