Americans favor deporting undocumented immigrants, until they’re asked how. The initial appeal of deportation often hinges on a simplistic desire for a quick solution to a complex problem. It’s a seemingly easy answer, a way to address anxieties surrounding immigration without delving into the messy realities of implementation.
The problem with this knee-jerk reaction becomes glaringly apparent when the logistical challenges are considered. Deportation isn’t as simple as rounding people up and sending them away; there needs to be a willing recipient country for each individual. The sheer cost of transporting, housing, and feeding those being deported quickly becomes a significant barrier, eclipsing any potential savings.… Continue reading
Mass deportations would be an unmitigated disaster for American agriculture, a fact starkly illustrated by the concerns of a Florida tomato farmer who voted for Trump. He supports tariffs against Mexican farmers who undercut his business by employing cheaper labor, and he agrees with deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes. However, the prospect of expelling all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country fills him with dread. His family’s 4,000-acre tomato farm, like countless others, relies heavily on a workforce largely composed of undocumented workers.
The sheer scale of the proposed deportations is staggering, surpassing even the notorious 1954 operation that forced over a million people back to Mexico.… Continue reading
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, was arraigned on murder and arson charges for allegedly setting fire to a sleeping woman on a New York City subway. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. Zapeta-Calil, who had previously been deported and illegally re-entered the US, was apprehended after being identified by witnesses. This incident, deemed a “brutal murder,” has exacerbated existing concerns about subway safety and highlighted issues of homelessness and substance abuse in the city.
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A study using Texas criminal records from 2012-2018 found that undocumented immigrants had significantly lower arrest rates for violent, property, and drug crimes than U.S.-born citizens. Undocumented immigrants’ arrest rates were consistently less than half that of native-born citizens for most offenses. This research, enabled by Texas’s unique data collection practices, provides a more accurate picture of crime rates by immigration status than previous studies. The study also revealed no evidence suggesting an increase in crime committed by undocumented immigrants during the study period. Further research should examine the replicability of these findings in other jurisdictions.
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Mayor Adams wrongly claimed undocumented immigrants lack constitutional due process rights, a statement refuted by legal experts who confirmed that the Constitution generally applies to all within U.S. borders. His assertion followed calls for immediate deportation of undocumented criminals, even before trial, and a desire to weaken the city’s sanctuary policies. This stance drew sharp criticism from immigrant advocates and public officials who accused him of fear-mongering and scapegoating migrants. Despite the city’s significant financial investment in supporting recent migrants, Adams maintains his position and seeks collaboration with Trump administration figures on stricter immigration enforcement.
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Following the election, several major cities—including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia—declared themselves “sanctuary cities,” vowing to protect unauthorized residents from mass deportations. These actions, while not legally preventing deportations, aim to hinder enforcement through legal challenges and resource limitations. The Los Angeles Unified School District also declared itself a sanctuary, mirroring similar commitments from other cities and states. Despite potential legal challenges and threats of federal funding cuts, these jurisdictions are committed to resisting the anticipated large-scale deportation efforts.
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President-elect Trump’s plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants are causing alarm within Texas’ construction industry, which heavily relies on this labor force. Experts warn that mass deportations would cripple the state’s booming construction sector, hindering infrastructure projects and housing development. The state’s current workforce is insufficient to meet its growth demands, exacerbating the potential economic consequences. While Trump’s stance enjoys support from some, concerns remain about the practicality and economic impact of such a large-scale undertaking.
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President-elect Trump confirmed plans to declare a national emergency and utilize military resources for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, as reported on Truth Social. This initiative, a key campaign promise, will prioritize the deportation of those with final orders of removal from federal immigration judges. Tom Homan, appointed as “border czar,” will oversee the operation, focusing on individuals who have defied court orders to leave the country. Homan emphasized the need to enforce existing laws and prioritize public safety. The plan targets an estimated 1.3 million individuals who have ignored previous deportation orders.
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As the incoming border czar, I firmly believe that undocumented immigrants who are not criminals should be given the option to self-deport. This would allow them to arrange their affairs and depart with their families, ultimately leading to a more orderly and humane process. While criminals will be apprehended and deported, non-criminals can choose to leave voluntarily, thereby easing the strain on our immigration system. However, it’s important to note that the specifics of what happens to their property or future re-entry possibilities remain unclear.
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The Trump administration has announced that it will conduct workplace immigration raids, a move that has been met with widespread criticism. The administration claims that these raids are necessary to enforce immigration laws and crack down on undocumented workers. However, critics argue that these raids will have a devastating impact on the economy, businesses, and the lives of undocumented immigrants.
The administration has stated that it will target workplaces that are not under its protection, suggesting that businesses with ties to the private prison industry may be spared. This raises concerns about the potential for corruption and abuse, as the private prison industry stands to profit from an increase in the number of undocumented immigrants detained.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker