During Donald Trump’s first presidency (2017–2021), immigration policies and deportation efforts were central to his administration, characterized by strict enforcement and significant changes to immigration processes. These policies left a lasting impact on immigrants and their families in the United States.
Key Deportation Policies and Practices
- Increased ICE Enforcement: The administration expanded priorities for deportation, effectively making any undocumented immigrant a potential target for removal, even those without criminal records. Arrests of non-criminal immigrants by ICE rose significantly, shifting the focus from primarily targeting individuals with serious criminal convictions to a broader population.
- Rescission of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): In 2017, Trump attempted to rescind DACA, a program that provided temporary protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, also known as Dreamers. While this effort was ultimately blocked by the Supreme Court in 2020, it created significant uncertainty and fear among DACA recipients.
- Zero Tolerance Policy: The administration implemented a “Zero Tolerance Policy” at the southern border, mandating criminal prosecution of all adults crossing the border illegally. This led to the controversial family separation policy, where thousands of children were separated from their parents and placed in detention facilities.
- Sanctuary City Crackdown: The administration sought to penalize sanctuary cities—jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—through threats to withhold federal funding and increased ICE raids in these areas.
- Expanded Use of Expedited Removal: The administration broadened the use of expedited removal, allowing ICE officers to deport individuals without a hearing before an immigration judge if they were unable to prove they had been in the U.S. for more than two years
Deportation Numbers
While deportation numbers during Trump’s presidency did not reach the levels seen under President Obama, the administration’s approach to enforcement was more aggressive and widespread, targeting immigrants with longstanding ties to their communities.
Human Impact of Mass Deportations
The administration’s policies caused widespread fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. Families were torn apart, with U.S.-born children often left behind when their undocumented parents were deported. The heightened enforcement also discouraged immigrants from reporting crimes or seeking medical care, fearing they might come into contact with immigration authorities.
Looking Ahead: What Could Happen in a Second Trump Term?
Following his re-election in 2024, President Trump has outlined plans to intensify his immigration agenda. Based on his previous policies and recent statements, potential developments include:
- Mass Deportations Using Military Assets: Trump has confirmed his intention to declare a national emergency to facilitate mass deportations using military assets. He verified the plan on Truth Social in response to Judicial Watch’s Tom Fitton, reinforcing his campaign promise to start deportations on his first day. During a rally, Trump vowed to initiate the largest deportation program in American history, aimed at targeting criminals. He has suggested utilizing the National Guard for these efforts, marking a significant departure from the military’s traditional non-engagement in domestic law enforcement. Experts anticipate the plan could be incredibly costly, ranging up to hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Trump’s estimated deportation efforts could impact approximately 20 million families, affecting around one in three families in the U.S.
- Appointment of Anti-Immigration Advocates: Trump has appointed key figures known for their hardline stances on immigration to lead his policies. Stephen Miller, the architect of many of Trump’s first-term immigration policies, will oversee the implementation and durability of these decisions as deputy chief of staff. Tom Homan, former head of ICE, will manage mass deportations focusing on individuals with criminal records and criminal networks. Kristi Noem, a staunch ally of Trump’s policies and former governor of South Dakota, will serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, managing the southern border and coordinating closely with her colleagues. These three form a central team to execute Trump’s immigration vision in his new term.
- Revival of Harsh Enforcement Policies: Trump could reinstate many of the policies from his first term, including a renewed focus on deportations, expanded expedited removal, and aggressive ICE raids.
- Targeting Birthright Citizenship: During his first term and subsequent campaign, Trump expressed interest in ending birthright citizenship, which could fundamentally change immigration law in the U.S.
- Expansion of Border Restrictions: A second term could see even stricter border controls, including the potential resumption of construction on the border wall and increased use of technology for surveillance.
- Increased Pressure on Sanctuary Cities: Sanctuary jurisdictions might face even more severe penalties or enforcement efforts under a second Trump term.
- Legislative and Judicial Efforts: A second term might involve working with Congress or leveraging the judiciary to implement long-lasting changes to immigration laws.
How Francis Law Center Can Help You
Immigration laws are constantly evolving, and navigating them can feel overwhelming. At Francis Law Center, we are proud to call Chicago home while serving clients in all 50 states. Our mission is to provide compassionate, professional immigration services that advocate for immigrants and their families, ensuring you understand your rights and options amidst ever-changing policies.
Whether you’re facing deportation, seeking family-based immigration solutions, or pursuing humanitarian relief, our experienced bilingual team, including Spanish-speaking members, is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. We’re committed to bridging language and cultural barriers to deliver personalized legal solutions that meet your unique needs.
If you’re looking for a trusted immigration partner in Chicago or anywhere across the U.S., contact us today for a consultation to explore how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your immigration case.
Let Francis Law Center guide you through the complexities of immigration law with expertise and care.
