Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States, made mass deportations a central focus during his first term from 2017 to 2021, and his push for stricter immigration enforcement has once again intensified. During his first term, Trump prioritized immigration policies, signing executive orders that expanded the authority of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and made nearly all undocumented immigrants targets for removal. In 2018, his administration launched large-scale workplace raids, detaining hundreds of undocumented workers at a time. In 2019, his "Remain in Mexico" policy forced asylum seekers to wait in dangerous border cities before being allowed to enter the U.S.

Although mass deportations were a key goal, logistical challenges—including high costs, legal battles, and resistance from sanctuary cities—limited his ability to implement them fully. Now, Trump appears determined to overcome these obstacles. His administration has revived and expanded past efforts, mobilizing multiple federal agencies to carry out large-scale deportations. Discussions have even included the potential use of military resources, a move that has raised concerns about its constitutionality. As a result, many immigrant communities are living in heightened fear, avoiding public spaces and even essential services.

This crackdown has sparked significant controversy, with critics raising concerns about its economic, social, and humanitarian consequences. Millions of undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for decades now face the fear of being forcibly separated from their families. These individuals contribute to their communities, support businesses that rely on their labor, pay taxes, and raise children who are U.S. citizens. Beyond the humanitarian impact, mass deportations could also create financial instability. The U.S. is estimated to spend $1 trillion over the next decade to remove one million undocumented immigrants. Additionally, undocumented workers contribute approximately $100 billion in taxes each year, funding programs such as Social Security and Medicare. Removing millions of these individuals would not only disrupt families but also destabilize local economies and communities across the country.