Trump Says He Does Not Rule Out Detention Centers and Migrant Deportations in Second Term Victory

Former President Donald Trump has revealed his plans to take aggressive actions against illegal immigration if he is reelected in the 2024 presidential election. In an interview with Time magazine, Trump said he would consider building detention centers and using the military to deport undocumented immigrants, citing immigration as a top voter issue.

Trump argued that the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. are "not civilians" and that their presence constitutes an "invasion" of the country. He did not rule out deploying active military forces to assist in his planned deportation efforts, stating that he would use National Guard troops and potentially override the Posse Comitatus Act if necessary.

"The plan is to deport migrants in the US illegally back to their home countries as quickly as possible," Trump told Time. He said there wouldn't be much need for detention camps as he intends to swiftly remove undocumented immigrants from the country.

Why this matters: Trump's hardline stance on immigration represents a continuation of his policies during his previous term and could have significant implications for millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States. The potential use of military force and detention centers raises concerns about civil liberties and the treatment of migrants.

Trump's vision for a second term also includes concentrating the powers of the state, withholding funds appropriated by Congress, firing US Attorneys who don't carry out his orders, and pardoning supporters accused of attacking the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Experts warn that a second Trump term could bring the end of US democracy and the birth of a new authoritarian presidential order.

In addition to his immigration plans, Trump said he would leave it up to states to decide whether to prosecute those who violate abortion bans. He also left open the possibility of political violence after the 2024 election, saying "it depends on the fairness of the election."

Trump's campaign is largely fueled by fears about immigration and migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. He believes he was too lenient during his first term and now knows "the good, the bad, the stupid, the smart." Trump said, "I made a mistake in being too generous. Now I know the good, the bad, the stupid, the smart. I learned a lot about people that I didn't know."

Key Takeaways

• Trump plans aggressive actions against illegal immigration if re-elected.
• Trump considers using military, detention centers to deport undocumented immigrants.
• Trump's vision includes concentrating state power, pardoning Capitol attackers.
• Experts warn Trump's second term could end US democracy, birth authoritarianism.
• Trump believes he was too lenient on immigration in his first term.