Trump's Historic Deportation Push: Military, Diplomats, and Legal Hurdles Await

Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. In November 2024, he was re-elected to a second, non-consecutive term as president, and is the president-elect

In his second bid for the presidency, Donald Trump had promised what could be the largest deportation operation in American history, a sweeping initiative aimed at removing millions of undocumented immigrants from the United States. This ambitious plan involves a range of federal resources, potentially including military and diplomatic personnel, and could rely on the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act of 1798. However, Trump’s proposed strategy has sparked warnings from immigration advocates, who argue it could be not only divisive and costly but also challenge the bounds of humane policy.

Reigniting the Deportation Debate with Historical Precedent

One cornerstone of Trump's strategy may be the Alien Enemies Act, a law initially enacted in 1798. The act historically allowed the U.S. government to detain and deport nationals from enemy countries in times of conflict. Trump's plan would use this law as a basis for a large-scale detention and deportation campaign—a move reminiscent of internment measures during World War II, which targeted Japanese Americans. However, the current context is a drastic shift, as it could now affect millions living and working in the U.S., a far broader demographic than the law was originally intended to address.

Economic and Humanitarian Concerns

Deploying a militarized deportation force would require extensive resources. According to the American Immigration Council, the operation could cost taxpayers as much as $967 billion over ten years. Critics note that this figure nearly matches the estimated tax revenue contributed by undocumented immigrants over the same period. With contributions to healthcare, Social Security, and other services, immigrants often support the very infrastructure they may be forced to leave. Deporting millions would likely ripple through the economy, as undocumented immigrants make up a significant portion of essential sectors, such as farming, construction, and manufacturing. Eliminating this labor force could exacerbate labor shortages, leading to supply chain disruptions and increased costs for U.S. consumers.

Legal Challenges on the Horizon

Trump’s plan is likely to face extensive legal opposition. Immigrant rights groups have already vowed to take the administration to court if the proposed operation becomes reality. Trump's rhetoric about being a “dictator on Day One” when it comes to immigration and border policy has only galvanized opponents. Legal experts anticipate challenges, particularly around using the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that it may overstep constitutional boundaries.

Beyond logistical and legal hurdles, Trump’s revived immigration agenda represents a cultural and humanitarian dilemma. The proposed denaturalization efforts could not only target those without documentation but also individuals with citizenship status derived from immigrant backgrounds, which immigration advocate Stephen Miller has suggested would be “turbocharged” in a second Trump term.

Policy Reversals and a Shift from the Biden Era

Trump’s proposals represent a sharp pivot from policies enacted by the Biden administration, which emphasized pathways to citizenship and support for immigrants in crisis. Trump adviser Jason Miller confirmed that one of the new administration’s first acts would be to roll back policies from Biden’s term, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). These programs have historically enjoyed bipartisan support but have recently been targets for erosion, with advocates fearing the loss of critical protections for individuals who have fled violence and disaster.

What’s Next?

The full implementation of Trump’s immigration plan would require unprecedented coordination across federal and state agencies, law enforcement, and possibly the military. If it moves forward, it would be a defining, polarizing issue in American society and could shape the country’s immigration landscape for years. As Trump’s team prepares to take office, it remains to be seen how these proposals will hold up to legal scrutiny—and whether the American public will stand behind a vision so rooted in division and deportation.