President-elect Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan has informed Republican lawmakers about the challenges in executing the incoming administration’s deportation plans due to limited resources, as per sources familiar with the discussions. The plans to detain and deport undocumented immigrants depend on the availability of funds for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has faced budget constraints historically.
While Trump has promised a significant deportation operation, GOP Rep. Darrell Issa clarified that the focus is on setting orders, priorities, and expectations rather than mass deportations. House Republicans are realizing the obstacles in fulfilling their campaign promises, especially with the strict rules around the reconciliation process for policy changes.
Homan, in meetings with lawmakers, outlined a phased approach to deportation, targeting 1 to 2 million undocumented immigrants eligible for removal based on current funding levels. The discussions emphasize the need for additional resources, including more detention beds and ICE agents, to expedite the process.
Despite Trump's pledge for a large-scale deportation effort, lawmakers acknowledge the financial challenges involved. Deporting 1 million people annually could cost approximately $88 billion per year, as estimated by the American Immigration Council.
With the next government funding deadline approaching, House appropriators are facing uncertainties in planning for increased deportation funding. While some Republicans believe in the cost-saving benefits of deportations, the financial implications remain a significant concern.
Republicans are gearing up to address staffing shortages at ICE and secure sufficient detention facilities. They anticipate that Trump's executive orders will kickstart the deportation process and immigration system overhaul, potentially leading to self-deportations among undocumented immigrants.
Despite the complexities ahead, Republicans are determined to initiate the deportation efforts under Trump's administration, aiming for tangible progress in immigration enforcement. Direct discussions with Trump at Mar-a-Lago this weekend are expected to provide clarity on the next steps in the deportation agenda.
