The incoming Trump administration is preparing to significantly expand its capacity to detain illegal immigrants as part of its planned mass deportation campaign, set to launch in January. This effort is a key promise President-elect Trump made during his campaign and aims to address the ongoing migrant crisis at the southern border.
Trump has repeatedly pledged a historic deportation initiative following his election victory, and his transition team is already taking steps to fulfill this commitment. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the transition, told Fox News Digital, “The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver.”
NBC News reported this week that the Trump administration is exploring potential locations for expanding immigration detention centers. The transition team is in talks with private prison companies and assessing how many migrants can be held in different regions of the country.
A source familiar with the plans confirmed the report, noting that the administration intends to more than double the number of detention beds allocated by Congress. While the goal is to significantly increase detention capacity, the source emphasized that the exact number of additional beds has not yet been determined.
The administration is focusing on areas with high numbers of illegal immigrants, including “sanctuary” cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago, which have been overwhelmed by a surge in migrant arrivals. Some of these migrants have been bused in from Texas. Detention centers could be expanded or reopened in these locations to manage the influx.
While some existing ICE facilities have room for expansion, others remain underutilized. For example, a facility in Adelanto, California, remains largely closed due to a COVID-era court order.
Republicans have criticized the Biden administration for its lower deportation rates, despite a record number of migrants entering the U.S. Critics of Trump’s plan argue that it could be too costly, while proponents say it would be more economical than allowing illegal immigrants to remain in the country.
The plan is expected to face strong opposition from Democratic governors. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently vowed to use “every tool in the toolbox” to protect her state and its residents from the deportation initiative, emphasizing her commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law. When asked whether state police would assist with deportations, Healey firmly responded, “No. Absolutely not.”
In addition to the expansion of detention facilities, Trump has announced several key staffing appointments related to immigration. Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan will serve as the “border czar” overseeing border security and the deportation operation. Kristi Noem has been tapped to lead the Department of Homeland Security, and Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump’s previous immigration policies, will return as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser.
Trump’s efforts reflect his continued commitment to securing the U.S. border and enforcing stricter immigration policies, which he has described as essential for restoring safety and opportunity for American families.
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