As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, his administration is laying the groundwork for sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy. Sources close to the president-elect reveal plans to implement large-scale migrant detentions, revive controversial policies from his first term, and roll back Biden-era initiatives.
Trump, who made immigration a cornerstone of his 2024 campaign, appears focused on tightening interior enforcement and accelerating the removal of undocumented immigrants within the U.S. Unlike his initial presidency, which centered on constructing a border wall, the incoming administration plans to expand detention facilities and intensify deportation efforts.
Policies in Motion
Sources familiar with the transition team’s strategy indicate that Trump’s aides are reviewing policies that could be enacted immediately. This includes reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program, which requires migrants to await U.S. immigration proceedings in Mexico, and revising asylum restrictions. Other plans include revoking humanitarian protections granted under President Joe Biden and eliminating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement priorities that shielded certain immigrants from deportation.
One proposal under discussion is an executive order mandating the detention of migrants, effectively ending the practice of releasing individuals due to limited federal resources. Such measures, sources say, would enable large-scale detentions and deportations.
To support these efforts, Trump’s team is examining regional capabilities for housing migrants and exploring the construction of new detention facilities in metropolitan areas. Plans also include the controversial reintroduction of family detention, a practice Biden ended amid widespread criticism.
Funding and Infrastructure
Implementing such measures will require significant funding. While additional congressional appropriations remain uncertain, Trump’s advisers are exploring options such as reprogramming existing agency funds and invoking a national emergency declaration to access Pentagon resources. This approach was used during Trump’s first term but faced legal challenges.
Private sector involvement is also anticipated. CoreCivic, one of the nation’s largest private prison operators, has already signaled its readiness to expand detention capacity. County jails, which frequently contract with ICE, are expected to play a crucial role in housing detained immigrants.
Key Figures in the Plan
The incoming administration has assembled a team of immigration hardliners to oversee these initiatives. Tom Homan, a veteran immigration official and architect of the controversial family separation policy, is set to serve as “border czar.” Stephen Miller, known for his aggressive stance on immigration, will assume the role of deputy chief of staff for policy. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been tapped to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Other key players include Rodney Scott, former U.S. Border Patrol chief, and Michael Banks, a border advisor to Texas Governor Greg Abbott. These officials are crafting strategies that include detaining migrants near the border and resuming worksite raids, a practice discontinued under Biden.
A Return to Hardline Immigration
Trump’s plans mark a stark shift from Biden-era policies, reviving approaches that drew fierce criticism during his first term. Critics, including immigrant advocates and Democratic lawmakers, argue that such measures undermine humanitarian principles and exacerbate hardships for vulnerable populations.
During his previous term, Trump deported more than 1.5 million people—a significant figure but still below the deportation numbers under President Barack Obama. Analysts note that Trump’s proposed measures aim to surpass these figures through more aggressive enforcement.
“The American people re-elected President Trump with a mandate to deliver on his campaign promises,” said Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the Trump-Vance transition team. “He will implement the bold reforms necessary to secure our borders and protect our country.”
As the transition unfolds, the new administration’s hardline approach is already drawing attention, setting the stage for a contentious debate over the future of U.S. immigration policy.