Trump’s Ex-Border Chief Ken Cuccinelli on Deporting 20 Million People
Somebody's Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri
Deep Dive
What are the logistical challenges of deporting 10 to 20 million people, as proposed by Donald Trump?
Deporting 10 to 20 million people would require identifying individuals, obtaining arrest warrants, detaining them, and processing them through immigration courts, which could take years. It would also require significant resources, including detention centers, buses, planes, and legal personnel. To deport 1 million people, for example, it would take 50 jumbo jets filled with people every day for a year, totaling 365 days of continuous effort. The cost is estimated at $88 billion annually for 1 million deportations, with a total of $906 billion over 10 years.
What role does the military play in Trump's proposed border enforcement?
The military would be deployed to the border to assist in stopping illegal crossings between legal ports of entry. Unlike previous administrations where the military provided reconnaissance and support, Trump's plan involves using the military to actively interdict and turn people away at the border. This is legal under Article II of the Constitution, which grants the president authority to deploy the military for national security purposes.
How does Ken Cuccinelli view the cost of mass deportations?
Ken Cuccinelli believes the cost of mass deportations is significantly lower than the $88 billion estimate provided by the American Immigration Council. He estimates the cost to be around $10 to $15 billion over multiple years, with initial higher costs due to infrastructure setup. He also emphasizes efficiency improvements, such as targeting groups of illegal immigrants during raids rather than individuals, to reduce costs.
What is the potential impact of mass deportations on the U.S. economy?
Mass deportations could lead to higher wages for low-income Americans by reducing competition for jobs. However, it could also increase the cost of goods, particularly in industries like agriculture and hospitality that rely heavily on immigrant labor. While some argue that this would benefit American workers, others contend that the increased costs of goods could offset wage gains.
What are the challenges of deporting individuals to countries that refuse to accept them?
Deporting individuals to countries like Cuba, Venezuela, or Nicaragua, which may refuse to accept their citizens, presents significant logistical challenges. Potential solutions include negotiating with third countries like Guatemala to accept deportees or using military bases like Guantanamo Bay as staging areas. In extreme cases, the U.S. might forcibly return individuals without the cooperation of their home countries.
How does Ken Cuccinelli propose to make mass deportations more efficient?
Cuccinelli suggests targeting groups of illegal immigrants during raids rather than individuals, which would increase efficiency. He also advocates for stricter workplace enforcement to deter employers from hiring undocumented workers, which could lead to self-deportation. Additionally, he supports using government-owned planes for deportations to reduce costs and improve logistics.
What is the expected timeline for implementing Trump's deportation plan?
The deportation plan would begin with immediate border enforcement on day one of Trump's presidency, including sealing the border between legal ports of entry. Large-scale deportations would follow, with a focus on individuals who already have deportation orders or criminal records. The process would likely take years to fully implement, with initial efforts targeting the most efficient and high-impact areas.