In Trump’s Dragnet | Julia Preston | The New York Review of Books

Trump's Mass Deportation Campaign

President Trump's second term has witnessed an unprecedented crackdown on immigration, exceeding the scale of previous efforts. This campaign targets millions of immigrants regardless of criminal history or legal status, expanding border enforcement into the country's interior.

Methods and Tactics

• Executive Orders and Policy Changes: Over 210 actions have been taken, including lifting restrictions on arrests in sensitive locations, eliminating prosecutorial priorities that focused on criminals and national security threats, and canceling legal aid programs.
• Expansion of Expedited Removal: This fast-track deportation process has been extended nationwide, allowing for deportations without hearings or appeals.
• Targeting of Protected Groups: Trump's administration has terminated or shortened programs offering humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to individuals from various countries.
• Mandatory Registration: A new requirement mandates registration for all undocumented immigrants, threatening criminal prosecution for non-compliance.
• Alien Enemies Act Invocation: The 1798 Alien Enemies Act was invoked to expedite deportations of Venezuelans, despite lacking sufficient evidence.

Impact and Resistance

The campaign has created widespread fear within immigrant communities, affecting daily life, impacting social interactions, and even leading to contingency planning for potential deportations. However, resistance is emerging, with lawsuits from rights groups and pushback from immigrant-friendly cities and states.

Stephen Miller's Role

Stephen Miller, a key advisor, is central to this campaign, advocating for a broad interpretation of presidential authority and promoting a strongly nativist stance against immigration.

Results and Uncertainty

While there has been a significant decrease in unauthorized border crossings, the number of deportations remains comparatively low. However, arrests are escalating, focusing on the interior and targeting those who are compliant with immigration processes. The long-term impact of Trump's campaign remains to be seen, with ongoing legal challenges and varying levels of public support.