Trump Plans $175 Billion for Mass Deportations, Economic Impact Raised

The Trump administration's immigration policies, particularly its mass deportation agenda, are facing strong criticism for their high costs and societal impact. Proposals from Trump and Republican allies suggest a budget increase for immigration enforcement of up to tenfold, potentially costing $88 billion annually over the next decade. Critics argue that this funding could instead be used to address pressing issues like medical debt and homelessness, pointing out that undocumented immigrants contributed nearly $100 billion in taxes in 2022. Additionally, a new ad campaign led by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem promotes self-deportation, raising concerns about its effectiveness given the significant ties many undocumented immigrants have in the U.S. The American Immigration Council and other advocates highlight that the financial and social ramifications of such policies would be detrimental to American families and communities. Furthermore, the expansion of detention facilities is projected to triple current capacities, exacerbating the challenges of an already strained immigration system.