Mass Deportation Effort Falls Short Amid Public Backlash & Federal Court Rebukes

 

During the 2024 campaign, Donald Trump made bold promises: to launch the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history — targeting up to 20 million people — and to remove one million immigrants in his first year. However, 100 days into his second term, it is clear that reality has not matched the rhetoric.

 

While Trump has energized his core supporters through tough immigration actions, the broader American public appears increasingly uneasy with the scale and style of his enforcement — particularly regarding due process violations, targeting of students, and mass deportations.

 

As court battles escalate and his approval ratings slide, immigration remains a volatile — and defining — issue for Trump’s second term.

 

In just 100 days, President Donald Trump’s second administration has unleashed a historic and aggressive wave of immigration policy changes. From militarizing the border to cutting legal immigration avenues, the pace and breadth of executive actions have surpassed those of his first term by almost sixfold. Despite the intense crackdown, mass deportations—a cornerstone of Trump’s promises—remain far from the million-a-year goal.

 

Key Points:

 

• 175 immigration-related executive actions issued (compared to 30 in the first 2017 term).
• Border encounters have plunged to a 25-year low.
• Projected deportations for 2025 are around 500,000, far short of the 1 million target.
• Immigrant communities are experiencing widespread fear, reduced school attendance, and shrinking local economies.

 

 

 

View MPI’s full analysis of Trump’s immigration actions

 

Trump’s second term reflects a much more calculated, prepared, and far-reaching effort to reshape immigration policy—with an unmistakable focus on deterrence and enforcement.

 

Here’s a look at the first 100 days of the Trump Administration’s immigration agenda, and a peek at what is likely coming next.

 

 

A New Immigration Era: Trump’s Hyperactive Second Term Outpaces Predecessors

 

In an unprecedented display of executive power, the Trump administration has executed 175 immigration-specific actions within its first 100 days back in office — a record-breaking surge. This aggressive approach is part of Trump’s broader foreign policy strategy, which emphasizes ‘America First’ and ties foreign aid to direct benefits for the U.S. By comparison, Trump’s policies have significantly impacted immigration and international relations, influencing regional governments to emulate U.S. immigration restrictions and strategize against U.S. economic pressures.

 

By comparison:

 

• Biden administration: 94 actions in its first 100 days
• Trump’s first term (2017): Fewer than 30 actions(which, at the time, was considered highly aggressive)

 

 

 

 

 

Legislation: On January 29, 2025, Trump signed the first major stand-alone immigration bill to pass Congress in nearly two decades. The Laken Riley Act is considered by many legal experts to be unconstitional.

 

 

Trump’s Immigration Approval Drops as Aggressive Tactics Face Growing Public Dissatisfaction

 

 

A new Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos poll shows his approval ratings on immigration have sharply declined. Once a signature strength, his hard-line enforcement actions are now driving public dissatisfaction across political lines, resulting in fewer people supporting his approach.

 

Trump’s policies have specifically targeted illegal immigrants, including actions like ending the ‘catch-and-release’ policy and reinstating the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy.

 

Public Opinion on Immigration: A Sharp Turn

 

Key Poll Findings:

• 53% disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration.
• 46% approve, down from 50% approval in February.
• Partisan Breakdown:
  • 90% of Democrats disapprove.
  • 56% of independents disapprove.
  • 11% of Republicans disapprove.

 

Other Recent Poll Findings:

• Reuters/Ipsos: Trump now underwater on immigration — 46% disapprove, 45% approve.
• Economist/YouGov: Net -5% approval on immigration; 49% say Trump’s policies are “too harsh.”
• Data for Progress: 6 in 10 likely voters support court hearings before deportation.

 

Major Themes of Trump’s Immigration Actions

 

According to a detailed analysis by Migration Policy Institute (MPI), the administration’s efforts can be grouped into the following sweeping themes:

 

 

1.)   Deploying the Full Power of the Government for Enforcement & Closing Asylum the Border

 

 

 

From the moment he took office, Trump:

 

Declared a national emergency at the southern border. Secretary of Defense authority to:

• Deploy military troops to support border enforcement
• Reallocate federal funds toward physical and operational border security. This move expanded the military’s role in immigration enforcement beyond previous limits. National Emergencies Act Overview (Congress.gov)
• Activated interagency cooperation, pulling in the IRS, DEA, FBI, HUD, and HHS databases to track and locate unauthorized immigrants.
• Deployed 10,000 troops to the southern border.
• Seized operational control of the Roosevelt Reservation to give military units authority over a 170-square-mile stretch of land.
• The administration also ended the CBP One app for asylum appointments and rebranded it as CBP Home for self-deportation reporting. This change has significantly impacted allowed migrants, who previously used the app to schedule court appointments for legal residency processes. Approximately 5,000 immigrants have already self-reported departures through the app.
• Ending “Catch-and-Release”: Under a new executive order: Migrants cannot remain in the U.S. while seeking asylum. Those who cross illegally must be detained or returned immediately. This reversed Biden-era policies that allowed many asylum-seekers to wait for court dates while living in the U.S.
• Reinstating “Remain in Mexico”: Trump reinstated the controversial policy requiring asylum applicants to: Wait in Mexico for their immigration court hearings. Limit border crossings for migrants seeking U.S. protection. Deportation flights have also been utilized to quickly remove unauthorized immigrants, adding another layer to Trump’s immigration strategy. Migrant Protection Protocols (DHS.gov)
• Resuming Border Wall Construction. Border wall projects, which had largely halted during Biden’s term, have: Resumed immediately, Focused especially on high-crossing areas along the Texas and Arizona borders

 

Border encounters in March 2025 fell to just 7,000—the lowest since monthly records began in 2000.

• Asylum Virtually Ended at the Southern Border: The CBP One app, once used to schedule asylum interviews, has been rebranded to facilitate “self-deportations.”
• Border Arrivals at Historic Lows: Unauthorized crossings at the Southwest border are at their lowest levels in decades.

Border Statistics (CBP.gov)

 

Trump has merged immigration policy with national security policy to an unprecedented degree, blurring lines between civilian and military roles at the border.

 

 

 

2. Deportation/Interior Enforcement: Doubling Down

 

 

 

While border arrests have decreased, interior enforcement remains a challenge:

• ICE arrest rates doubled, surging from about 310 to 650 per day, with a significant portion of those apprehended having previous criminal convictions.
• Detention capacity expanded significantly, although detention space remains a bottleneck.
• Redirected ICE detainees to Guantánamo Bay to ease detention overcrowding.
• 287(g) agreements (deputizing local officers as immigration agents) more than tripled.
• Sensitive location protections (like churches, hospitals, and schools) were eliminated.
• Mass registration requirement enforced for millions without prior biometric data.

Explore ICE’s current detention statistics

 

Goal:  1 million deportations per year — although this pace has not yet been reached.

U.S. ICE Latest Enforcement Data

 

Nearly half of those arrested during ICE’s raids had previous criminal convictions, highlighting the administration’s focus on deporting immigrants with criminal backgrounds. These aggressive measures have created widespread fear even among legal immigrants and U.S. citizens in immigrant families, destabilizing entire communities.

 

 

3.Targeting “Twilight Status” Immigrants

 

The administration is systematically targeting those with temporary protections:

• TPS designations for countries like HaitiVenezuela are being terminated.
• Parole pathways for 530,000  Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) suspended.
• Future TPS extensions for Afghans and Cameroonians rejected.
• Unauthorized immigrants are being deported to Costa Rica as part of broader immigration enforcement strategies involving collaboration with Central American nations.

Learn about TPS protections

 

Impact:

Hundreds of thousands could lose legal work authorization and become vulnerable to deportation.

Stripping temporary protections could push hundreds of thousands into undocumented status, dramatically expanding the population vulnerable to deportation.

What Is TPS? (American Immigration Council)

 

 

4. Legal Immigration Curtailments

 

 

In its first 100 days, the Trump administration also:

• Halted refugee resettlement for vetted refugees.

• Revoked student visas for over 1,700 students, with thousands more possibly affected., often without a stated justification, but believed to be based on political expression or minor interactions with law enforcement (including traffic).  Due to a growing number of losses in federal court, at least in regards to temporary orders to reinstate the students, a lawyer for DOJ recently announced in court that DHS will re-instate these students, while it comes up with a “framework” for future F-1 status termination. Inside Higher Ed tracks student visa terminations
• Reviewed travel restrictions on nationals from 43 countries.
• Airport Scrutiny Increases: Foreign tourists and visa holders face intensified secondary screenings at U.S. airports.  Countries including Brazil, India, and South Korea have issued travel advisories warning their citizens about U.S. entry risks.
• Visa Interview Waivers Revoked: The State Department eliminated waivers that previously allowed some travelers to skip in-person interviews. This has created new backlogs.

The chilling effect extends beyond undocumented immigrants, affecting tourists, business travelers, and international students vital to the U.S. economy.

 

 

5. Restricting Public Services and Benefits

 

Trump has cut access to services by:

• Defunding citizenship integration grants.
• Declaring English the official language, limiting government language access.
• Adding immigrants’ Social Security numbers to the Death Master File.
• Targeting mixed-status families for removal from public housing.

• Self-Deportation Strategy:
  Programs seek to strip access to non-emergency services for undocumented immigrants — even though they are already largely ineligible.
• Services for Legal Immigrants at Risk:
  Broader budget cuts threaten access to programs supporting lawfully present immigrants as part of government-wide downsizing.

Read more about the Public Charge rule impact

 

 

6. Introducing the “$5 Million Gold Card”

 

• New Immigration Pathway Proposed:
  Wealthy foreign nationals who can invest $5 million could gain expedited U.S. citizenship via a new “Gold Card” system.

Investment-Based Immigration Explained (USCIS EB-5 Overview)

 

 

Deportation Numbers: Falling Far Short of Promises

 

 

Trump administration officials have aggressively mobilized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and even military resources to:

• Double daily arrests of undocumented immigrants
• Target “sanctuary cities” that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities
• Launch new deportation partnerships with countries like El Salvador for expedited removals

 

However, despite ambitious goals to deport one million people annually, Trump is not yet on pace to meet this target.

 

Barriers:

• Court challenges over due process violations
• Limited detention space
• International resistance to receiving deportees

 

 

Key Data Points:

• Trump’s administration set an ICE deportation goal of one million by the end of 2025.
• By March 2025, estimates show:
  • 113,000 arrests.
  • 100,000 deportations (though experts say this figure is likely inflated).

 

 

 

 

 

Why the Numbers Don’t Add Up:

• ICE averaged 656 arrests per day in Trump’s first 50 days.
• To reach 113,000 by March’s end, ICE would have needed to jump to 3,800 arrests daily — an improbable increase.
• Border Patrol reported only 15,527 apprehensions in February and March combined.

 

Expert View:

“That 100,000 deportation number cannot be correct,” said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council.

 

 

 

 

 

Controversial Deportations and Public Reaction

 

Recent Escalations:

• 238 migrants deported to a megaprison in El Salvador.
• Targeting of international students and faculty for deportation from U.S. universities.
• Defiance of court orders, particularly in the case of Kilmar Abrego García, a Salvadoran migrant deported despite a 2019 legal protection order.

 

 On the Kilmar Abrego García case:

• 50% of Americans believe he should be returned to the U.S.
• Only 28% think he should remain imprisoned in El Salvador.

 

🔗 Background on the Kilmar Abrego García deportation case

 

While immigration still scores higher for Trump than his ratings on other issues, the general erosion mirrors broader public frustration with his presidency’s combative approach.

 

 

Public Sentiment on Deportation Policies

Key Poll Insights:

 

51% oppose sending suspected migrant gang members to El Salvador without hearings. According to polling data from Fox News, public opinion on Trump’s deportation policies is divided, with 47% supporting Trump’s expedited deportations.

 

 

Partisan Divisions:

• 85% of Democrats oppose deportations without due process.
• 82% of Republicans support it.

 

 

Independent Voters:

Just under half support, just over half oppose

 

 

Dissatisfaction with Trump’s Immigration Enforcement

 

What Americans Say They Dislike Most:

• 48% say Trump’s immigration crackdown has gone “too far.”
• 34% say it’s handled “about right.”
• 16% say he “hasn’t gone far enough.”

 

Demographic Differences:

• 6 in 10 Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans believe Trump has gone too far.
• About 4 in 10 White Americans share that view.

 

 

Crackdown on College Protesters and Middle East Critics

 

The administration’s efforts to deport international students and green card holders accused of supporting Hamas — despite lack of proof — has further polarized opinion:

• 60% of Americans oppose these deportations.
• 70% of Republicans support them.
• Only 11% of Democrats support deportations over political speech.

 

🔗 See Full Poll Results Here

 

 

Mounting Legal Challenges: Constitutional Showdowns Ahead

 

As of April 2025, more than 50 lawsuits have been filed:

• Nationwide injunctions have blocked Trump’s birthright citizenship restrictions.
• Deportations under the Alien Enemies Act have been challenged.
• DHS is defying court orders in cases like that of Kilmar Abrego García.

 

 

 

 

 

Potential Constitutional Crisis:Serious concerns emerged after White House administration officials ignored federal court orders to:

• Halt deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798
• Return a Salvadoran man wrongly deported to a prison in El Salvador

 

 

Understanding the Alien Enemies Act (Library of Congress)

Follow Just Security’s litigation tracker

 

This is a brewing constitutional crisis. Open defiance of federal court orders threatens the rule of law and separation of powers.

 

 

Court Rulings So Far:

 

Generally affirm the executive branch’s authority over immigration but stress that immigrants must retain due process rights and access to judicial review.

 

 

 

Court Pushback Includes:

• Lawsuits against Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship.
• Legal challenges against the suspension of asylum and refugee programs.
• Nationwide litigation disputing Trump’s claim of a “border invasion” to justify mass expulsions.

 

Advocacy groups like the ACLU and National Immigrant Justice Center have led many of these cases.

 

🔗 Read about the ACLU’s lawsuits against the Trump administration

 

 

Use of Alien Enemies Act

 

Trump controversially used the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to:

• Deport over 130 alleged gang members to El Salvador
• Ignore some court rulings demanding halted deportations mid-flight

 

Trump is claiming that the 1798 law originally designed for wartime national security:

• Applies it to members of the Tren de Aragua gang (TDA) tied to Venezuela’s Maduro regime.
• Designates TDA as conducting “irregular warfare” against the U.S.

 

Supreme Court Oversight:
While the administration claims legal authority, SCOTUS has paused some removals, pending constitutional review.

 

 

 

The Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case

 

The highest-profile controversy:

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident with protected status, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador
• Trump administration insists he is a MS-13 gang member, though his attorneys dispute it
• Despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling ordering his return, Abrego Garcia remains imprisoned in El Salvador

 

Trump defended the administration’s actions, calling Abrego Garcia:

“A very violent person.”

 

 

Reshaping Constitutional Boundaries

 

Legal experts and constitutional scholars are alarmed. Trump’s second term shows a severe disregard for traditional checks and balances.

 

Highlights:

• Claiming emergency powers to seize Congress’ control over spending and foreign trade
• Defying lower court orders — even ignoring a Supreme Court mandate
• Erasing post-Watergate reforms to law enforcement independence
• Firing 17 Inspectors General critical to government oversight

 

Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson, a Reagan appointee, warned that Trump’s approach “reduces the rule of law to lawlessness.”

Judiciary Challenges to Executive Authority (Brennan Center)

 

 

 

Why Trump’s Immigration Strategy Is Backfiring

 

Issues Highlighted by Experts:

• Due process violations dominate headlines, not “order and security.”
• Defiance of court orders, including Supreme Court rulings, has fueled accusations of lawlessness.
• Widespread fear and chaos in immigrant communities, including among naturalized citizens and Puerto Ricans.

 

Kristian Ramos, Democratic strategist:

“Trump destroyed his credibility on immigration and the economy — the two issues he was strongest on.”

The Economy-Immigration Connection

 

According to Ramos, immigration is integral to a healthy U.S. economy:

• Immigrants boost labor markets and pay taxes.
• Trump’s crackdown disrupts businesses and slows economic recovery.
• Hunting down immigrants using IRS data has created fear even among lawful residents.

 

Suggested Visual: Chart linking immigrant labor force participation to GDP growth projections.

 

 

The “El Salvador Problem”: A PR Disaster

 

The deportations to El Salvador — especially high-profile wrongful cases like Abrego García — shifted public focus:

• Americans increasingly see deportations not as immigration enforcement, but as violations of justice.
• Trump’s rejection of court-mandated hearings (“Such a thing is not possible”) contradicts basic American legal values.

 

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick:

“People expect immigration to be handled with fairness and respect for due process.”

 

 

Focus Groups Reveal Latino Voter Disillusionment

 

Focus Group Insights from Arizona (April 2025):

• 6 Spanish-speaking Latino men who voted for Trump in 2024 were surveyed.
• 3 openly regret voting for Trump.
• Major complaints:
  • Economic instability.
  • Fear and chaos created by indiscriminate deportations.
  • Broken trust — expecting only criminals to be deported but seeing hardworking families targeted instead.

 

Sample Comments:

• Jesús (Construction Worker): “Everything continues to get more expensive. And they’re deporting people who work and pay taxes.”
• Javier (Furniture Delivery): “It’s out of control. Innocent people are being deported.”
• Danny (Teacher): “Taking someone by mistake changes a life forever.”

 

The Broader Picture: Immigration, Courts, and Public Opinion

• 6 in 10 Americans oppose deporting international students for pro-Palestinian protests.
• 82% of Republicans support rapid deportations without hearings; 85% of Democrats oppose.
• Public trust in Trump’s immigration agenda has declined sharply across racial and political groups.

 

As voters look ahead to the next four years, there is significant concern about how Trump’s immigration policies will evolve and impact public sentiment.

🔗 Read the full Pew Research Center immigration poll

 

A Nation in Fear: Public Opinion Shifting

 

Despite limited organized resistance so far, cracks are forming:

• Consumer confidence is at its lowest point since the 2020 pandemic.
• Polls show Trump’s approval rating at just 40%, lower than any recent president at this stage.
• Major industries fear a prolonged recession fueled by tariffs and international instability.
• Universities and immigrant communities are becoming emboldened to fight back.

Still, without strong, coordinated opposition, Trump continues to consolidate power at an astonishing pace.

 

More On Court Battles

 

1. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Military and Civilian Border Control

 

Case Study: National Guard Deployment to the Border

 

Legal Action: In his first 100 days, President Trump deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 284. This is a militarized approach to immigration enforcement that tests the boundaries of the Posse Comitatus Act (1878), which prohibits military personnel from engaging directly in domestic law enforcement unless authorized by Congress. Trump’s policies aim to address the issue of open borders, which he believes facilitate the flow of drugs and criminals into the United States, through increased military involvement.

 

Legal Issues:

• Posse Comitatus Act: Critics argue that military involvement in civilian law enforcement violates this act. While there are exceptions for national defense, the deployment of the military on the border raises constitutional concerns about civil liberties and separation of powers. The Posse Comitatus Act was enacted to prevent military control over domestic law enforcement, ensuring that the civilian government retains authority over police powers.

 

Court Challenges: A lawsuit filed by the ACLU argues that the President’s deployment of military personnel was unconstitutional and oversteps his executive powers. The courts are expected to determine if military control at the border violates constitutional protections and whether this action constitutes an illegal militarization of law enforcement.

 

2. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Interior Enforcement and Expedited Removal

 

Case Study: Expansion of Expedited Removal to Interior U.S.

 

Legal Action: The Trump administration expanded the expedited removal process to apply to immigrants arrested in the interior U.S., not just those at the border. This process allows ICE to remove noncitizens without a hearing before an immigration judge. Previously, expedited removal had been limited to individuals caught within 100 miles of the border and who had been in the U.S. for less than 14 days.

 

Legal Issues:

• Due Process Concerns: The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process, which includes the right to contest a deportation before a judge. Expedited removal procedures bypass this process, potentially depriving immigrants of their constitutional right to challenge their removal. This has led to legal challenges arguing that it violates immigrants’ fundamental rights.
• Case Study – ** J.A. v. Sessions (2018): The expansion of expedited removal comes on the heels of J.A. v. Sessions, where a federal court ruled that the expanded application of expedited removal without adequate due process violates the constitutional rights of certain groups, like minors and vulnerable populations. This decision has set a precedent for future challenges to Trump’s expedited removal policies.

 

Impact: A widespread civil rights movement and numerous legal challenges focus on preventing the expansion of expedited removal, as it removes the ability of immigrants to present their case in front of an immigration judge, potentially leading to unlawful deportations.

 

3. Department of State (DOS): Visa Revocations and Travel Restrictions

 

Case Study: Student Visa Revocations Under the “Catch and Revoke” Initiative

 

Legal Action: The State Department’s “Catch and Revoke” initiative has led to the cancellation of thousands of student visas. As of April 2025, at least 1,700 students from 270+ universities had their visas revoked. The reasoning behind these revocations largely centers on political activities and affiliations, including participation in pro-Palestinian protests.

 

Legal Issues:

• First Amendment Violations: The revocations raise significant concerns under the First Amendment, which protects free speech and the right to assemble. Critics argue that these visa revocations are retaliatory actions against political expression, and are designed to silence dissent, violating the constitutional protection of free speech. For example, in Mahmoud Khalil v. U.S. Secretary of State (2025), a student who had his visa revoked over pro-Palestinian protests filed a lawsuit claiming a violation of his First Amendment rights.
• Equal Protection Clauses: Several cases argue that the actions disproportionately target individuals based on their national origin and political opinions, violating the Equal Protection Clause under the Fifth Amendment. The challenge here is that the government is selectively applying the visa revocation policy, which could be discriminatory.

 

Impact: This is a significant issue as visa revocation not only affects students but has also impacted scientific collaboration, academic freedom, and international relations, especially with countries that view these actions as politically motivated.

 

In light of massive courtroom losses and adverse publicity, DOJ has recently announced that they will be reinstating these students to lawful F-1 status, while it formulates a “framework” for future F-1/SEVIS revocations.

 

4. Department of Labor (DOL): H-1B Visa and Employment-Based Immigration

 

Case Study: Restricting H-1B Visa Program – H-1B Modernization Rule

Legal Action: The Trump administration has introduced a H-1B Modernization Rule, which shifts the H-1B visa process towards prioritizing higher wages and occupations with more specialized skills. The rule aims to limit the number of H-1B visas issued to low-wage workers and is a direct effort to reshape the program to benefit U.S. workers.

 

Legal Issues:

• Administrative Procedure Act (APA): One of the primary legal challenges to this rule comes under the APA, which requires the Department of Labor (DOL) and USCIS to provide adequate reasoning, data, and evidence before making significant changes to long-established policies. Critics argue that the H-1B Modernization Rule did not undergo proper public comment periods or economic impact analysis, making it vulnerable to lawsuits on procedural grounds.
• Wage and Labor Market Impact: The new rule directly impacts employers and workers in specialized fields (e.g., STEM industries) by making it harder for small businesses and startups to hire foreign talent. The rule’s effect on wage standards could also be challenged under the Wagner-Peyser Act and Fair Labor Standards Act, which govern labor market practices.

 

Case Study – Tech Workers v. DOL (2025): A class action lawsuit filed by major tech companies against DOL argues that the H-1B Modernization Rule unlawfully restricts access to foreign talent. The lawsuit claims that the rule disrupts the ability of American companies to recruit the best workers, effectively harming the U.S. economy and technological progress.

 

Impact: The rule remains heavily contested in court, and its outcome could significantly alter labor mobility in the tech and healthcare sectors, reshaping the H-1B visa system and determining future immigration policy regarding skilled worker visas.

 

 

New Designations and Other Controversial Orders

Mandatory Immigrant Registration Enforcement

 

Through Executive Order 14159, Trump directed DHS to:

• Enforce the long-standing registration requirements for all aliens (legal and illegal).
• Create an online portal for self-registration.
• Penalize noncompliance with fines up to $5,000 or up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

 

A recent report on the impact of mandatory immigrant registration enforcement highlights significant changes in public opinion and approval ratings of political figures involved in these policies.

 

Historical Context:Similar measures were taken post-9/11 under NSEERS, with 13,000 placed into deportation proceedings.

 

Changing Birthright Citizenship Rules

A major constitutional shift:

• Trump redefined birthright citizenship
• Children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents are no longer automatically U.S. citizens, under the new policy.

This executive order is expected to face major legal battles.

 

Deploying Military Troops to the Border

Trump authorized:

• Thousands of active-duty soldiers to support DHS and CBP
• Mission to repel “forms of invasion” including mass migration and drug smuggling

 

Enhancing Border Vetting and Screening

Increased security measures at ports of entry include:

• Expanded document checks
• Advanced biometrics screening
• Real-time criminal background verification

 

Using Guantanamo Bay for Migrant Detention

One of the most controversial orders:

• Trump directed DHS to expand detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base for migrants with criminal histories pending deportation.

 

Targeting the Northern Border

Trump’s emergency declaration was expanded to the U.S.-Canada border to:

• Tackle the influx of fentanyl and synthetic opioids entering the U.S.
• Tighten border inspections in northern states like Michigan and New York.

 

Militarizing Immigration Enforcement

Trump’s deportation crackdown has reached unprecedented levels:

• IRS and USPS sharing data to help locate undocumented immigrants
• Deportations without hearings to El Salvador’s infamous CECOT prison
• Invoking the Alien Enemies Act to bypass immigration courts
• Mistaken deportations, including U.S. residents like Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Understanding the Alien Enemies Act and Its Modern Usage

 

Labeling Cartels as Global Terrorists

Trump issued an executive order to designate:

• MS-13, the Tren de Aragua gang, and others as foreign terrorist organizations
• Allowing expanded military and legal actions against them

 

 

 

Legislative Action: The Laken Riley Act

 

New Law Mandates Detention of Criminal Migrants

 

Trump’s first signed law was ostensibly in support of Laken Riley, a student murdered by a released migrant. The vice president played a crucial role in supporting the new legislation, emphasizing its importance in enhancing public safety and enforcing stricter immigration policies.

 

 

Key Provisions:

• Expanded mandatory detention to include offenses like burglary and assaulting police or petty theft (even if only charged, but not convicted).
• Allows states to sue the federal government if illegal releases cause harm.
• Restrictions on sanctuary jurisdictions

 

Impact:This law attempts to severely restricts future administrations from releasing criminal aliens without consequences.

🔗 Read Full Text of the Laken Riley Act

 

Trump

celebrated this law by declaring,

“All we needed to secure the border was a new president, not new laws.”

 

Looking Ahead: What the Next 4 Years Might Bring

 

 

Expectations include:

• Massive increases in detention funding.
• More federal agencies conscripted into immigration enforcement.
• Widening scope of deportations—possibly targeting naturalized U.S. citizens.
• New “Gold Card” program promising green cards for $5 million investments.
• Public Charge Rule Overhaul: Revoking Biden’s lax standards for immigrant welfare dependency.
• Asylum System Reforms: Tightening standards for credible fear and valid asylum claims.
• International Cooperation: Expanding “safe third country” agreements to distribute asylum processing abroad.
• Potential strain on relations with European countries due to differing views on immigration policies.
• Guestworker Program Changes:
• Crackdown on Optional Practical Training (OPT) abuse.
• Raise wage requirements for H-1B and other foreign workers.
• Restrict known outsourcing firms from visa programs.
• Potential for a trade war as part of Trump’s broader policy strategy, particularly with the imposition of high tariffs on foreign goods.

 

Read Project 2025 blueprint for the next Trump agenda

 

Even if Trump falls short of deportation goals, the long-term damage to America’s immigration system—and international reputation—could be lasting and profound.

 

 

 

FAQs: Big Changes Trump Initiated on Immigration in His First 100 Days in Office (2025)

 

 

What were the top immigration priorities Trump set in his first 100 days of 2025?
Trump outlined an immigration plan focused on five core pillars: (1) mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, (2) expansion of detention and expedited removal, (3) severe restrictions on asylum and humanitarian programs, (4) slashing legal immigration pathways, and (5) extreme national security-based screening, including ideological vetting.

 

Did Trump reinstate a travel ban in 2025?
Yes. Within days of taking office, Trump issued a broad travel ban via executive order targeting nationals from more than a dozen countries, mostly Muslim-majority and African nations, citing national security concerns. Unlike the 2017 version, this ban expanded to include some Latin American and Asian countries. Lawsuits were filed immediately challenging the constitutionality of the ban.

 

What new policies did Trump implement to increase deportations?
Trump’s DHS set arrest quotas for ICE agents (e.g., minimum numbers of apprehensions per month), reinstated nationwide expedited removal (allowing for deportation without a hearing for those in the U.S. less than two years), and revived mass interior enforcement operations targeting “collateral” arrests — picking up any undocumented immigrants encountered during enforcement actions, regardless of criminal history.

 

Did Trump expand the use of 287(g) agreements with local police?
Yes. Trump’s DOJ and DHS pressured local law enforcement agencies to sign or renew 287(g) agreements, authorizing police officers to perform immigration enforcement functions. New grants incentivized police departments, even in small towns, to collaborate with ICE, leading to wider racial profiling concerns and strained community-police relations.

 

What changes did Trump make to DACA in his first 100 days?
Trump ordered a freeze on new DACA applications and sharply limited renewals, pending full termination. DHS issued guidance rescinding deferred action protections in many cases and began preemptively issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) in immigration court for DACA recipients with minor legal infractions or technical violations.

 

Did Trump target humanitarian parole programs?
Yes. Trump fully terminated the Cuban-Haitian-Nicaraguan-Venezuelan (CHNV) humanitarian parole program that Biden launched, eliminating one of the few orderly pathways for migrants from these countries. He also shut down other parole programs such as Central American Minors (CAM) and severely restricted use of humanitarian parole under INA §212(d)(5) generally.

 

How did Trump change asylum processing?
Trump imposed new regulations requiring asylum seekers to seek protection in third countries they transited through before applying in the U.S. (reviving a “Safe Third Country” rule), raised the credible fear standard to “more likely than not,” and ordered mass detention of asylum seekers pending adjudication, severely limiting parole or bond releases.

 

Did Trump initiate mass detention of immigrants?
Yes. Trump eliminated humanitarian parole for most categories of immigrants, leading to expanded use of mass detention centers, including privately-run facilities. DHS opened large “soft-sided” tent camps near border areas to detain thousands of migrants simultaneously, with minimal court oversight.

 

What changes did Trump make to visa programs for skilled workers and students?
Trump narrowed eligibility for H-1B visas through new regulations redefining “specialty occupation,” requiring more evidence of direct employer-employee relationships, and raising prevailing wage requirements. For F-1 and J-1 students, DHS expanded scrutiny of OPT and STEM OPT programs, issued mass SEVIS terminations for minor status violations, and targeted students from “sensitive countries” for visa revocations based on political activism.

 

Was there a new “extreme vetting” program launched?
Yes. Trump expanded the “Visa Lifecycle Vetting Initiative” launched during his first term. DHS began requiring disclosure of social media handles going back 10 years for most applicants. Algorithms screened posts for political views deemed anti-American, anti-Israel, or sympathetic to causes Trump labeled as extremist threats.

 

Did the Trump administration change public charge rules again?
Yes. Trump reinstated a more aggressive version of the public charge rule (based on his 2019 version struck down in court), expanding the definition to include prior or likely future use of any government benefit, including food stamps, housing assistance, and Medicaid, even for short-term or emergency use.

 

Were there new efforts to reduce legal immigration?
Yes. Trump sought to eliminate the Diversity Visa Lottery entirely by executive order, proposed cutting family-sponsored immigration categories (F-3 and F-4), and directed USCIS to apply much stricter eligibility requirements for employment-based green cards, particularly EB-2 and EB-3 categories.

 

How did Trump change the naturalization process for green card holders?
Trump’s DOJ and DHS revised the N-400 adjudication manual, expanding the scope of “good moral character” disqualifications to include minor traffic violations, tax issues, and past receipt of public benefits. USCIS officers were encouraged to dig into past decades of an applicant’s history to find any grounds for denial.

 

Were immigration courts affected during Trump’s first 100 days?
Yes. Trump’s DOJ reimposed performance quotas on immigration judges, requiring judges to complete at least 700 cases a year. He also limited judges’ ability to administratively close cases or terminate proceedings, forcing more immigrants into final orders of removal.

 

Did Trump introduce changes regarding Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Yes. Trump ordered the immediate review of all existing TPS designations, terminating TPS for El Salvador, Honduras, Sudan, and other countries, despite ongoing humanitarian crises. He also raised the bar for future TPS designations, requiring proof that a country’s crisis was directly caused by U.S.-recognized “armed conflict” or “natural disaster.”

 

Were there changes to how ICE and CBP operate at the border?
Yes. Trump authorized CBP officers to conduct broader warrantless searches of electronics at the border, expanded expedited removal authority nationwide, and encouraged agents to deny entry based on political views expressed online.

 

Did Trump take steps against sanctuary cities?
Yes. He issued executive orders mandating the withdrawal of federal grants from jurisdictions with sanctuary policies and ordered DOJ to prioritize prosecutions of officials deemed to be “harboring” undocumented immigrants.

 

Were any new immigration-related task forces or offices created?
Yes. Trump reestablished and expanded the VOICE Office to provide support for victims of crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants. He also created a new DHS unit tasked with investigating and prosecuting visa overstays and marriage fraud.

 

Did Trump change procedures for refugee admissions?
Yes. Trump set the refugee admissions cap for FY 2026 at fewer than 10,000—the lowest level in modern U.S. history. He suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) from key regions like Africa and the Middle East pending “enhanced vetting.”

 

Was there any action regarding international students?
Yes. Trump launched a “targeted compliance operation” against F-1 visa holders from Muslim-majority and Chinese-origin countries, leading to hundreds of SEVIS terminations and visa revocations based on alleged fraud or “national security concerns” without clear evidence.

 

Did Trump expand biometric data collection from immigrants?
Yes. Trump ordered DHS to collect facial images, iris scans, voiceprints, and DNA samples from nearly all applicants for immigration benefits, including green card renewals, work permits, and citizenship applications.

 

Were U.S. embassies and consulates directed to change visa interviews?
Yes. DOS instructed consular officers to take a “presume fraud” approach, leading to higher rates of visa denials without substantive explanations, especially for tourist and student visa applicants from Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia.

 

Did Trump affect immigrant access to healthcare and benefits?
Yes. Trump instructed states to verify immigration status more aggressively for Medicaid, CHIP, and other social service programs, leading to mass disenrollment of lawful immigrants out of fear and confusion.

 

Were there any new enforcement measures targeting employers?
Yes. ICE expanded large-scale worksite enforcement operations, conducting raids in industries such as food processing, agriculture, and construction. DOJ also launched more criminal investigations of employers accused of knowingly hiring undocumented workers.

 

Did Trump propose constitutional changes on birthright citizenship?
Yes. Trump revived his push to end birthright citizenship for U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants via executive action. While he did not succeed in changing the Constitution, his actions caused fear and confusion among immigrant families.

 

How did Trump’s first 100 days affect international travel to the U.S.?
Trump’s new vetting measures caused widespread visa appointment backlogs, dramatically increased denials, and resulted in longer secondary inspections at U.S. ports of entry, particularly for travelers from Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American countries.

 

Were new “ideological tests” proposed for visa applicants?
Yes. Trump ordered consular officers and USCIS adjudicators to review applicants’ public political speech, online activity, and organizational memberships. Applicants perceived to hold “anti-American” beliefs could be denied entry or immigration benefits without the right to appeal.

 

How did immigration advocates respond to Trump’s early actions?
Advocacy organizations immediately filed lawsuits against the travel bans, TPS terminations, public charge expansions, and extreme vetting rules. Protests erupted nationwide, including airport sit-ins, “sanctuary campus” movements, and mass demonstrations supporting DACA recipients and asylum seekers.

 

What legal challenges did Trump’s immigration policies face?
Multiple federal courts issued injunctions against Trump’s travel bans, refugee restrictions, and public charge rules. Some cases reached the Supreme Court, where Trump won certain key victories but faced setbacks on procedural grounds for others. Advocacy organizations are pursuing ongoing litigation in 2025.

 

Were there any efforts to expedite removals for specific groups?
Yes. Trump prioritized the rapid deportation of Central American migrants, recent visa overstays, and individuals flagged by new political screening algorithms, often bypassing standard immigration court hearings through expanded expedited removal authority.

Conclusion: A Failing Promise

 

Trump’s second-term immigration activity is unprecedented in volume and impact:

• Enforcement is expanding into agencies and databases never before used for immigration control.
• Legal immigration opportunities are narrowing, while wealthy investors are courted.
• Humanitarian protections and asylum are being systematically dismantled.
• Legal battles are setting the stage for future constitutional showdowns.

 

The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies over the first 100 days have had profound implications on U.S. immigration law, with constitutional and human rights challenges already emerging. The main legal battlegrounds are:

 

1. Due process rights for individuals facing expedited removal or deportation without judicial review.
2. First Amendment violations in visa revocation cases targeting political speech.
3. Equal protection concerns surrounding travel bans and visa revocations.
4. Labor rights disputes concerning changes to the H-1B program.

 

Trump’s mass deportation plan has faltered both in execution and public perception. While border crossings have fallen, the administration’s heavy-handed tactics, defiance of courts, and failure to meet targets have created a sense of disorder — the very thing Trump promised to eliminate.

 

As Rick Swartz, founder of the National Immigration Forum, summed up:

 

“It’s good for the country that mass deportation is failing. Americans are starting to recognize the cruelty behind Trump’s immigration vision.”

 

Will this sweeping strategy endure under mounting public backlash and judicial scrutiny?
The next 100 days will be critical.

 

 

Why You Should Contact Attorney Richard Herman for Trusted Guidance on Trump’s Immigration Agenda

 

Navigating today’s immigration landscape is more complex—and more urgent—than ever. The Trump administration’s aggressive policies, from mass deportation plans to extreme vetting, have created new obstacles and risks for immigrants, visa holders, and even green card holders. Staying informed is critical, but understanding your rights—and your options—requires expert guidance.

 

That’s where Attorney Richard Herman stands apart.

 

With over 30 years of experience dedicated to immigration law, Richard Herman has been at the forefront of protecting immigrants during times of uncertainty. His team at the Herman Legal Group is nationally recognized for combining deep legal expertise with genuine compassion for every client.

 

When you contact Richard Herman, you are choosing an advocate who offers:

 

• Unmatched Knowledge
  Richard stays up-to-the-minute on every shift in immigration policy, including Trump’s latest executive orders, DHS enforcement priorities, visa program changes, and humanitarian relief cutbacks.
• Proven Track Record
  Thousands of families, professionals, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable immigrants have trusted Richard to guide them successfully through difficult immigration challenges.
• Personalized Strategic Advice
  No two cases are the same. Richard crafts strategies tailored to your specific circumstances, immigration goals, and risk factors under Trump’s evolving agenda.
• Relentless Advocacy
  Whether it’s facing ICE enforcement, navigating visa denials, fighting for waivers, or seeking humanitarian relief, Richard is a fearless defender of immigrant rights.
• Accessible and Compassionate Service
  You are not just a case number. Richard and his team are committed to giving you clear, honest, and empathetic advice, every step of the way.

 

In a political environment where immigration law is being used as a weapon, it’s more important than ever to have a fighter in your corner.

 

Contact Attorney Richard Herman today to get the trusted legal guidance you deserve.
Protect your future. Empower yourself with knowledge.
Let Richard Herman and his team stand with you.

 

👉 Schedule your consultation now. Call 1-800-808-4013.

 

 

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Resources to Help Understand Trump’s First 100 Days on Immigration

 

• Migration Policy Institute
• Inside Higher Ed
• Bloomberg Law
• DHS Reports
• ICE Statistics Dashboard (DHS.gov)
• Center for Immigration Studies – Trump 2025 Action
• Migration Policy Institute: First 100 Days Immigration Analysis
• Pew Research Center: Immigration Public Opinion Trends
• Executive Orders Issued by Trump in 2025 (Federal Register)
• Federal Court Challenges to Executive Power (SCOTUSblog)