Trump confirms plan to declare national emergency, use military for mass deportations

President-elect Donald Trump on Monday confirmed his intentions to declare a national emergency in order to fulfill his campaign promise of deporting millions of undocumented migrants living in the United States.

Late at night, Trump responded to a social media post made by Judicial Watch's Tom Fitton. Fitton had mentioned earlier this month that there were rumors about the incoming administration preparing such a declaration and possibly using "military assets" to deport these migrants.

"TRUE!!!" Trump wrote in response, affirming these plans.

Trump made it clear that mass deportations would be a priority for his administration, and that they would start as soon as he assumed office.

"On Day 1, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out," he stated during a rally at Madison Square Garden in the final days of the election campaign. "I will rescue every city and town that has been invaded and conquered, and we will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail, then kick them the hell out of our country as fast as possible."

Trump has already selected several immigration hard-liners to fill important Cabinet roles. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was nominated for the position of homeland security secretary, subject to Senate confirmation. Additionally, former Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tom Homan was appointed as "border czar."

Homan had previously shared his vision for these mass deportations, explaining that the initial focus would be on removing criminals and those posing national security threats. He did not rule out the possibility of deporting entire families together.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump also promised to enlist the National Guard to assist with the deportation effort. According to experts interviewed by ABC News, such an action would represent a dramatic departure from the military's traditional role, as it typically avoids involvement in domestic law enforcement activities.

Trump went even further on occasion, suggesting that thousands of military personnel currently stationed overseas could be reassigned to the U.S.-Mexico border.

It is estimated that there are approximately 11 million unauthorized migrants living in the United States without legal immigration status. The process of deporting these individuals could cost billions of dollars annually, according to figures provided by the American Immigration Council.

Furthermore, experts suggest that the mass deportation of millions of workers could lead to broader economic consequences, such as a decrease in tax revenue and significant labor shortages.

ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz recently reported from California about the potential impact of Trump's immigration and mass deportation plans on the American agricultural sector.

"If you took away my workforce, you wouldn't eat. If you go into the San Joaquin Valley and you start doing what you're saying, it's over. The country will stop, literally stop because the food system won't move," said Manuel Cunha Jr., president of the Nisei Farmers League.

This sentiment highlights a significant concern regarding the potential consequences of Trump's aggressive deportation strategy. American agriculture is heavily reliant on immigrant labor, and a sudden mass removal of workers could cause substantial disruptions to food production and distribution. Many farm owners argue that without their immigrant workforce, they wouldn't be able to operate effectively.

The effects of Trump's mass deportation plans could also extend far beyond the agricultural sector. Industries such as construction, hospitality, and manufacturing rely on undocumented workers to meet their labor needs. Deporting these individuals would likely create a considerable void in the labor market, leading to economic instability and increased costs for businesses.

Proponents of Trump's stance, however, argue that removing undocumented migrants is essential for the nation's safety. They believe that prioritizing the deportation of criminals will help protect American citizens and uphold the rule of law. Trump himself emphasized his dedication to eliminating those he views as a threat to the country, framing the issue as one of national security.

On the other hand, critics argue that Trump's approach oversimplifies a complex problem and may have unintended consequences. The economic, humanitarian, and social ramifications of large-scale deportations are hard to ignore, and many experts warn that such actions could ultimately do more harm than good. For instance, the loss of a workforce that fills critical roles could hurt productivity and, by extension, the economy at large.

One of the most striking features of Trump's plan is the emphasis on deploying military assets to assist with deportations. This would be an unprecedented use of the military within U.S. borders for immigration enforcement purposes. Historically, the military has been kept separate from domestic law enforcement activities due to concerns about civil liberties and the risks of overreach. Using troops to conduct deportations could blur these lines and face significant legal and logistical challenges.

The impact of Trump's proposed actions on families is another crucial issue. Many migrants have built their lives in the United States, often raising children who are U.S. citizens. Deporting parents would create a complex situation where thousands of children might be left without family support or forced to leave the country alongside their parents, sparking further debates about the moral implications of such measures.

For now, the details of Trump's deportation plan remain vague, but the intentions are clear. Whether the potential benefits will outweigh the challenges is something that only time will tell.