Trump Promises Mass Deportation in Florida

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to implement the largest deportation program in U.S. history, initiating this policy immediately after taking office. His plan may involve declaring a national emergency and utilizing military forces to enforce mass deportations, sparking significant fear among Florida's 1.1 million undocumented immigrants, approximately 5% of the state's population. Critics, including the ACLU, have condemned the proposal as inhumane, while local activists point to the psychological distress already affecting immigrant communities in Florida. Some experts argue that logistical and geopolitical challenges could impede Trump's deportation ambitions, such as the acceptance of deported individuals by countries like Cuba and Venezuela. Meanwhile, Florida's recent immigration crackdown, through legislation requiring E-Verify, has not significantly harmed the state's economy as feared, but mass deportations could still disrupt labor markets, particularly in sectors reliant on immigrant workers. The potential end of protections like DACA and TPS would also have dire consequences for families and communities throughout the state.