The Trump administration has implemented a series of measures aimed at strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws. These actions include the expansion of the border wall, the establishment of militarized zones, and the introduction of initiatives to encourage voluntary departure of undocumented migrants.
In January 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting The American People Against Invasion.” This order called for the expansion of expedited removal processes, the denial of federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions, and significant increases in the hiring of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Additionally, it restricted access to public benefits for undocumented immigrants and expanded agreements under the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 287(g). The order also increased federal criminal prosecutions for immigration-related offenses. These measures are designed to enhance the enforcement of existing immigration laws and deter illegal entry into the United States. (en.wikipedia.org)
In late April 2025, the administration designated certain areas along the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico and western Texas as “National Defense Areas.” Control of these zones was transferred to the military, authorizing troops to temporarily detain immigrants. While arrests remain under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, immigrants entering these zones now face additional national security charges, potentially extending prison sentences by 18 months. Approximately 400 cases have been filed in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with defense attorneys requesting dismissals and questioning the standard of proof required for these new charges. Civil rights groups and some local officials have raised concerns over the militarization of previously public lands and the potential impact on civil liberties. The Justice Department emphasizes that these military areas are essential for national security. (apnews.com)
In May 2025, President Trump announced “Project Homecoming,” an initiative aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the United States. The plan offers federal support, including a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance, to incentivize self-deportation. Migrants who choose not to leave voluntarily may face increased enforcement and penalties. The initiative is part of the administration’s broader immigration policy, which includes threats of steep fines, revoking legal status, and deportation to detention facilities. The administration has pledged to mobilize an additional 20,000 officers to target individuals residing in the country illegally. While the initiative seeks to reduce undocumented immigration, advocacy groups have criticized the program and urged migrants to seek legal counsel before making decisions. (reuters.com)
The administration has also reinstated the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy. This program requires asylum-seekers arriving at the southern border to remain in or return to Mexico while awaiting their admission or court removal proceedings. Additionally, the administration terminated the “CBP One” mobile application, which allowed migrants to schedule appointments for inspection and asylum applications. These actions are intended to streamline the asylum process and reduce the burden on U.S. resources. (apnews.com)
In January 2025, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border under the National Emergencies Act. This declaration granted the administration certain powers to address the emergency, such as allocating more military resources to the border, deploying additional troops, creating detention facilities, and fortifying physical barriers. The proclamation also revoked a previous order that halted funding for border wall construction, allowing for the continuation and expansion of the border wall. (apnews.com)
The administration’s actions have led to the expansion of the Guantanamo Migrant Operations Center (GMOC) to house up to 30,000 migrants under detention. This facility is intended to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States. The expansion has been questioned on legal, logistical, and humanitarian grounds. While the presidential memorandum specified that migrants would be held at the GMOC, some have been held by military guards at Camp 6, a military prison previously used to hold Al-Qaeda suspects. The estimated costs of implementing the executive order to expand the GMOC have been $40 million in the first month of operations. (en.wikipedia.org)
The administration has also initiated Operation Safeguard, a law enforcement plan aimed at rapidly detaining and expelling undocumented migrants living in urban areas in the United States. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the lead agency for this operation. The objective is to detain undocumented migrants with violent criminal histories and expel them from the United States. As of March 2025, approximately 23,000 individuals have been arrested under this operation, with 18,000 of them being deported. (en.wikipedia.org)
These measures reflect the administration’s intensified immigration enforcement strategy and efforts to expedite deportations. While some of these actions have faced legal and logistical challenges, the administration continues to implement policies aimed at securing the nation’s borders and enforcing immigration laws. The effectiveness and long-term impact of these measures remain to be seen, but with time, additional staff, and oversight, the system is expected to function as intended. This approach may lead to an increase in government staff and regulation to ensure compliance and efficiency.
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Lisa Grant reports on immigration enforcement, border operations, and national security protocols. She studied political science at Arizona State University and previously worked as a legislative staffer on immigration reform. Her reporting brings a field-level understanding of border policy and how it is applied in communities across the Southwest.