Indiana GOP Sen.-elect Jim Banks recently expressed his hopes for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants who entered the US illegally during President Joe Biden's administration. Banks emphasized his desire to deport all such individuals, starting with violent criminals who have committed offenses while in the country illegally. He stated that President-elect Donald Trump is committed to prioritizing mass deportation, particularly focusing on those who pose a threat to public safety.
When questioned about the logistics of such a plan, Banks asserted that the American people had given a mandate to the president and Republicans to take decisive action. He suggested that local law enforcement agencies are prepared to assist in identifying and removing undocumented immigrants. Banks also proposed increasing penalties on businesses that employ undocumented individuals as a means to encourage self-deportation.
A recent report by the Department of Health and Human Services highlighted the economic contributions of refugees, asylum-seekers, and their families, estimating a net contribution of $37.5 billion to the federal government between 2005 and 2019. However, the report also noted a net cost of $21.4 billion to state and local governments. Immigrants have been recognized for their role in addressing labor shortages in various sectors.
Deportations, however, come with significant financial implications. The American Immigration Council projected that deporting 1 million undocumented immigrants annually could exceed $960 billion over a decade. Such a large-scale operation would require a substantial increase in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement workforce, necessitating billions of dollars in additional funding from Congress.
President Trump emphasized that the cost of mass deportations should not be a deterrent, underscoring the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration policies rigorously.
