By : Lloyd Mahachi
The Trump administration has begun its push for mass deportations and detention centers, with President Trump reaffirming his hardline border policies in his inauguration address. The president vowed to halt all illegal entry and begin the process of returning millions of undocumented immigrants to their countries of origin.
The focus is now on the Texas-Mexico border, particularly in small border counties like Starr, which could see a migrant detention facility established quickly. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has offered 1,400 acres of land in Starr County to the Trump administration for the construction of a detention facility.
Buckingham stated that the facility will likely not be a permanent structure, but rather a temporary one that can be constructed quickly using local companies. The goal is to provide a secure perimeter and housing for the processing of migrants before they are deported.
The establishment of detention facilities is expected to take a significant load off rural county jails, which are currently overcrowded with migrants. Buckingham emphasized that she is willing to purchase property for a deportation center if necessary, citing the need for swift action.
However, the Trump administration’s plans are not without legal challenges. Civil rights organizations such as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are preparing for the worst, educating migrants on their rights and anticipating legal battles.
Gloria Leal, general counsel for the national LULAC, urged migrants to monitor the situation closely and prepare for the potential consequences of the Trump administration’s policies. Buckingham, meanwhile, emphasized that she and Governor Greg Abbott are united in their desire to address the crisis at the southern border.
The establishment of migrant detention centers will require significant resources, including funding and personnel. Congressman Chip Roy expressed his support for the Trump administration’s efforts, stating that he believes Congress can provide the necessary resources quickly.
Roy suggested that a smaller, simpler bill could be passed within 30 days to provide the necessary funding for the detention centers. However, he acknowledged that a more comprehensive solution would require more time and effort.
Incoming border czar Tom Homan has estimated that at least $86 billion will be needed to implement the Trump administration’s mass deportation plans. The fate of these plans remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Trump administration is determined to push forward with its hardline border policies.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
