President-elect Donald Trump is reaffirming his commitment to mass deportations of undocumented immigrants once he takes office, causing concern among immigration attorneys and advocates. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a federal lawsuit seeking information on how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to implement these deportations, particularly regarding its “ICE Air Operations” for deportation flights.
Immigration attorneys report that their clients are anxious about Trump’s plans, with many fearing significant workforce disruptions as millions could be targeted for removal.
“For months, the ACLU has been preparing for the possibility of a mass detention and deportation program, and FOIA litigation has been a central part of our roadmap,” ACLU staff attorney Kyle Virgien told Axios. “A second Trump administration underscores the urgency of our litigation.”
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“Little is known about how President-elect Trump would carry out its mass deportation agenda, but what we do know is that this proposal has already instilled fear among immigrant communities,” continued Eva Bitran, director of immigrants’ rights at ACLU SoCal. “The public has a right to know how its taxpayer dollars could be used to fund deportation flights that would tear apart not only families, but also our communities.”
Trump has indicated he will utilize various methods to enhance deportation efforts, including military support and collaboration with local law enforcement.
Legal experts argue that the lack of transparency from ICE regarding its operational capabilities raises serious civil rights concerns. The lawsuit reflects growing alarm over the potential implications of Trump’s immigration policies on millions of individuals living in the US.
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