MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AX) — Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota has strongly criticized ex-President Donald Trump’s idea of deploying the U.S. military for large-scale deportations, branding the plan as “xenophobic, inhumane, and un-American.”
In a recent social media post, Trump confirmed his intentions to declare a national emergency in order to initiate what could be the most extensive deportation operation in U.S. history. This plan aims to eject millions of undocumented immigrants starting on his first day back in office, January 20, 2025.
The announcement has stirred anxiety among Somali immigrants in the U.S., who feel vulnerable and targeted.
Trump’s agenda is broad and controversial. He promises to prioritize the deportation of approximately one million undocumented individuals with criminal histories or exhausted legal appeals. However, executing this plan is fraught with substantial logistical and legal hurdles.
With around 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country, many having lived here for over ten years, the plan poses significant challenges. Deporting millions would demand resources such as extra staff, transportation, and detention infrastructure. The immigration court system is already overwhelmed, facing formidable backlogs, and would likely be unable to handle the surge in cases.
U.S. legal frameworks guarantee due process to all individuals undergoing deportation, necessitating court hearings that might delay Trump’s goals. Critics highlight the endeavor’s logistical and legal intricacies, suggesting its impracticality even with extensive federal funding and resources.
Local governments are resisting Trump’s proposal. Sanctuary cities, known for their policies of limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities, have vowed to uphold protections for undocumented immigrants.
Legal experts emphasize that America’s governance structure, which divides power among federal, state, and local entities, could hinder Trump’s ability to enforce deportation uniformly. Advocacy groups warn against potential wrongful detentions that might unjustly entrap U.S. citizens and legal residents in a widespread sweep.
The proposal also carries possible economic ramifications. Industries heavily dependent on immigrant labor, like agriculture, could be hit hard by labor shortages. Manuel Cunha Jr., president of the Nisei Farmers League, warned about disruptions to the national food supply if immigrant workers are removed. “Without my workforce, you wouldn’t eat,” he cautioned.
Besides the threat to labor availability, the deportation of undocumented workers would lead to a dip in tax income, straining local and state fiscal health. The upheaving of families and entire communities may occur, as many undocumented immigrants have deep-rooted connections within the U.S.
To advance his strategy, Trump has put together a team of immigration hardliners. He’s appointed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, with former ICE Director Tom Homan serving as “border czar.” Stephen Miller, influential in shaping Trump’s earlier immigration policy, returns to hold dual roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.
Homan vows aggressive enforcement as part of Trump’s renewed efforts, claiming ICE would acquire more resources. Nonetheless, he admits encountering major challenges, like needing more staff, vehicles, and holding facilities.
Despite framing his proposal as keeping campaign pledges, public opinion is split. Polling suggests that numerous Americans are opposed to mass deportations when weighing their economic and humanitarian implications.
Anticipation mounts for legal confrontations as advocacy groups gear up to challenge the initiative, specifically regarding the use of military resources for controlling immigration. There’s also uncertainty regarding whether state National Guard units can be federalized and local cooperation bypassed through executive mandates.
For Somali families, the matter is intensely personal. Many have called the U.S. home for over a decade, raising children, pursuing education, and bolstering communities. Deportation threatens to dismantle families, disrupt education systems, and sever years of accumulated ties. Mixed-status families, where undocumented parents raise citizen children, face a precarious future.
Trump’s rhetoric, frequently aimed at immigrant communities, exacerbates fears. Somali-Americans freshly remember his administration’s travel bans targeting Muslim-majority nations like Somalia that notably reduced refugee admissions.
Fearing expulsion, numerous undocumented individuals, including Somalis, have started eyeing Canada as a potential refuge. Unofficial border crossings, such as at Roxham Road from New York to Quebec, have seen heightened activity. Canadian figures, including Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland, reaffirm support for asylum seekers but caution about resource challenges, particularly in Quebec.
Ilhan Omar, who is Somali-American and has vocally opposed Trump’s immigration policy, is rallying for coordinated resistance against what she terms a “cruel and divisive agenda.” Omar declared, “We will fight every step of the way,” urging legislators and the public to reject the plan’s implications.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
