In a move that signals a dramatic hardening of US immigration policy, former President Donald Trump is assembling a "battle plan" for an unprecedented nationwide crackdown, should he reclaim the White House in November.
Central to this strategy is a pledge to initiate the largest domestic deportation operation in American history, a mission he intends to delegate to his former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, Tom Homan.
The Chicago Conundrum: A Target on Sanctuary Cities
Mr. Homan, in a revealing interview, confirmed that so-called "sanctuary cities" like Chicago would be a primary focus. These jurisdictions, which limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, have long been a point of contention for Trump.
"We've got to do something about Chicago," Homan stated, outlining a vision of overwhelming force. "We're going to have to use massive resources. We're going to have to send thousands of agents there. We're going to do a blitz."
Echoes of a Previous Tenure
This proposed blitz evokes memories of Trump's first term, which was characterised by hardline policies such as the travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries and the controversial separation of migrant families at the US-Mexico border. Homan, a key architect of those policies, appears poised for a return to a central role.
The plans were underscored by Trump during a recent rally in Georgia, where he promised to "seal the border" and begin a sweeping removal of undocumented immigrants immediately upon taking office.
A Battle Beyond the Border
The strategy extends beyond mere enforcement. Trump and Homan are preparing for significant legal and political confrontations. Homan hinted at challenging sanctuary city policies in court and even suggested the potential use of the National Guard to support deportation efforts, a move that would be hugely controversial and likely face fierce legal challenges.
This aggressive posturing sets the stage for immigration to be a defining, and deeply divisive, issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential campaign, promising a stark contrast to the current administration's approach.
