President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that the United States is facing an "invasion" by 21 million undocumented immigrants, whom he accused of including "murderers and high-level criminals" among their ranks. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that without the ability to deport them, the country will swiftly degrade into a "crime-ridden third-world nation that will never know greatness again."
Trump pointed to a "radicalized and incompetent judicial system" as the main barrier to implementing his immigration policy. "Our lawyers must present this FACT to the United States Supreme Court and all other courts," he wrote emphatically, highlighting the defiant tone of his message.
Beyond immigration, Trump reiterated claims of his election victory, asserting triumph in "all seven key states," with "312 Electoral College votes," "2,750 districts versus 525," and claiming he won "the popular vote with ease." "I must be allowed to do the job for which I was elected. Otherwise, we will no longer have a country," Trump concluded, reinforcing his campaign slogan: "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN."
During the initial 100 days of his second term, Trump ramped up his immigration crackdown by deporting 65,682 undocumented immigrants, according to data from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE reported that 75% of the over 66,000 arrests involved immigrants with criminal records, including 2,288 alleged gang members from groups like Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and Barrio 18, as well as 1,329 individuals accused or convicted of sex offenses and 498 of homicide.
In line with these efforts, Trump signed a new executive order on Friday allowing undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country, even with expired or incomplete travel documents, as part of his "Return Home Project." This measure authorizes the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate self-deportation without requiring up-to-date documentation, introducing a digital system and concierge service for booking free flights abroad directly from airports. "Illegal aliens can leave the country with or without proper travel documents," the official text states.
Moreover, the former Trump administration filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday seeking to overturn a judicial ruling that prevents the early termination of the humanitarian parole program. This program, introduced under President Joe Biden, provides temporary legal status to over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, allowing them to enter the U.S. by air with financial backing and reside legally for two years with work authorization. It was among the first programs Trump reversed upon taking office.
Back in March, Trump urged the Supreme Court to limit federal judges' ability to issue nationwide injunctions, arguing that these have repeatedly blocked his policies. "Illegal nationwide injunctions by radical left judges could lead to the destruction of our country. These people are lunatics who don't care, not even a little, about the consequences of their decisions and rulings, which are very dangerous and wrong!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Key Questions on Trump's Immigration Policies
Why does Trump believe the U.S. is being "invaded" by undocumented immigrants?
Trump claims that the U.S. is facing an "invasion" by 21 million undocumented immigrants, whom he accuses of including dangerous criminals among them. He believes this influx poses a significant threat to national security and the country's greatness.
What obstacles does Trump identify in enforcing his immigration policy?
Trump points to a "radicalized and incompetent judicial system" as the primary obstacle, claiming that it prevents the implementation of his immigration strategies.
What is the "Return Home Project" proposed by Trump?
The "Return Home Project" is an initiative that allows undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the U.S. without requiring up-to-date travel documents, facilitated by a digital system and concierge service for booking free flights abroad.
How does Trump view the role of federal judges in his policy implementation?
Trump criticizes federal judges for their nationwide injunctions, which he claims have repeatedly blocked his policies. He describes these judges as "radical left" and their decisions as dangerous and misguided.