In his August 27 op-ed, Eduardo Porter highlighted the significant challenges of implementing Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan, asserting that it is nearly impossible to execute. Porter argued that Trump’s previous failures, such as his unfulfilled promise to build a border wall and to make Mexico pay for it, suggest that this latest endeavor is also likely to fall short. According to Porter, Trump’s real skill lies not in fulfilling campaign promises but in leveraging anti-immigrant sentiments to secure electoral victories.
Curtis Ramsey-Lucas of Hyattsville concurs, stating that Trump’s immigration plan is not just difficult but fundamentally unattainable. Ramsey-Lucas contends that the logistical requirements—such as mobilizing the National Guard, hiring sufficient judges and border security personnel, and potentially deploying the U.S. military—are impractical and prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, he argues that the plan is both immoral and inhumane. Ramsey-Lucas advocates for electing Vice President Kamala Harris as a preferable alternative.
Many skeptics of Trump’s deportation plan argue that logistical and legal hurdles would prevent its implementation. They point to the limitations imposed by the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of military personnel in domestic law enforcement. The Insurrection Act could theoretically bypass these restrictions by declaring martial law, but this would involve significant legal and ethical issues, potentially giving Trump broad authority to enforce deportations.
Reflections on Mass Deportation
León Krauze’s August 14 op-ed, “What deporting 15 million people would look like,” drew parallels between Trump’s proposed deportations and historical events. Arvydas Barzdukas from Falls Church recalled his childhood memories of Soviet mass deportations and expressed disbelief that a presidential candidate, whose own family has an immigrant background, would advocate for such a drastic measure. Barzdukas, who immigrated to the U.S. under the Displaced Persons Act, fears that such inhumane actions could lead to a repeat of historical tragedies.
Alyson Ball of Charlottesville argues that Trump’s deportation plan would have severe consequences for Americans, including increased costs for services and goods, difficulty in finding workers, and disruptions to communities. Ball warns that the plan could result in the forced separation of families and a loss of revenue for social programs.
Stuart Gallant from Belmont, Mass. raises concerns about the potential for corruption and abuse within law enforcement if such a large-scale deportation effort were to be attempted. He emphasizes that the plan would not only be impractical but could also lead to significant harm and injustice.
National Newspaper Carriers Day
This Wednesday, we have the opportunity to show appreciation for newspaper carriers who play a crucial role in delivering news to our communities. Despite the decline in print newspaper circulation, carriers continue to perform their duties with dedication, often facing challenging conditions such as inclement weather and difficult delivery routes.
In recognition of their hard work, consider showing your appreciation by celebrating National Newspaper Carriers Day. Simple gestures like placing a sign in the yard, hanging a banner, or offering a small token of thanks, such as a cup of coffee, can go a long way in acknowledging the vital role these professionals play in keeping us informed.