The Republican National Convention saw signs declaring “Mass Deportation Now!” as Donald Trump vowed to expel millions of migrants, a plan that has made some Republicans uncomfortable. Lauren B. Peña, a Republican activist from Texas, hopes that Trump is just blustering and plans to only deport criminals and sex offenders. However, Trump’s campaign has put immigration at the heart of his agenda, pushing the party towards a bellicose strategy reminiscent of the 1950s “Operation Wetback” deportation policy.
Trump’s plan, which includes using the National Guard and possibly the military to target between 15 million and 20 million people, has raised the stakes of the election beyond just fortifying the border. Democrats have also shifted towards the right on immigration, focusing on border security before addressing relief for immigrants already in the country. Both parties are seeking to court Latino voters like Peña, who, despite feeling conflicted about the GOP’s stance on immigration, has become a new recruit due to concerns about drug issues in her community.
Many GOP lawmakers have embraced Trump’s deportation plans, with House Speaker Mike Johnson saying it is needed. Some Republicans, however, have shown skepticism by suggesting more modest deportation goals, focusing on criminals and those with final removal orders. Unlike Trump’s previous promises of mass deportation, this time there is a detailed plan in place that includes reviving travel bans and ending birthright citizenship. Other forms of legal migration would also be restricted under these policies.
The potential impact of Trump’s deportation plans would be far-reaching, affecting major industries like housing and agriculture in key battleground states. While some Republicans argue that large-scale deportation is necessary due to recent surges in border crossings, others hope that Trump will distinguish between recent arrivals and longtime residents. Democrats believe Trump’s threats are motivating Latino voters to take action, with organizations like Voto Latino seeing increased voter registration since Kamala Harris became the Democratic candidate. Democratic politicians like Rep. Vicente Gonzalez acknowledge the need for better border management but caution against mass deportation, which they believe would cause more harm than good.
