WASHINGTON – As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his pledge to carry out mass deportations of millions of immigrants living in the United States without legal authorization is raising questions, including from some members of his party. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., openly expressed skepticism about the practicality and feasibility of Trump’s plan, which has been a cornerstone of his campaign promises.
During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Thune addressed the challenges associated with Trump’s proposed deportation program, questioning its scale and logistics. “Is it realistic to deport everybody? I mean, there’s a lot of people in this country who are here illegally,” Thune said. His remarks highlight the complex realities that could make Trump’s mass deportation initiative a formidable challenge for the incoming administration.
The American Immigration Council, a nonpartisan organization, has estimated that deporting one million people annually would cost an astounding $88 billion. This figure accounts for the resources required to expand law enforcement staffing, detention facilities, immigration courtrooms, and the necessary transportation infrastructure. The financial and logistical barriers underscore the immense scale of the effort.
Currently, Pew Research estimates there are approximately 11 million immigrants in the United States without legal authorization. While many of these individuals lack criminal convictions, their situations vary significantly. Among them are asylum-seekers who entered the country to escape violence or persecution, as well as individuals who overstayed visas initially granted for tourism or education. Some have lived and worked in the U.S. for decades, contributing to communities and the economy.
An additional challenge lies with the 1.3 million immigrants who have already been issued removal orders but remain in the United States. This population exists in legal limbo, often due to limited U.S. removal resources or the refusal of their home countries to accept them back. These complexities present a formidable obstacle to the sweeping deportation measures Trump has promised.
Thune acknowledged the importance of addressing unauthorized immigration but suggested that prioritization may be a more realistic approach. He advocated starting with immigrants who have committed crimes in the United States, as well as the individuals already listed for deportation under the current administration. “So start with that, and then we’ll go from there and figure it out,” Thune said. He emphasized that decisions about immigration enforcement would ultimately rest with the incoming administration.
Thune’s remarks underscore the challenges of reconciling Trump’s campaign rhetoric with the operational realities of implementing such a vast deportation program. Trump’s pledge to execute the “largest deportation program in American history” played a central role in his reelection campaign, resonating strongly with his base of supporters. However, the practicality of fulfilling this promise remains uncertain.
The cost and scale of such a program are not the only concerns. Critics have also raised ethical and humanitarian questions about the potential consequences of mass deportations, particularly for families and individuals who have built lives in the United States. Additionally, the economic impact of removing millions of workers from industries that rely on immigrant labor is a topic of ongoing debate.
Thune, who has served as Senate Majority Leader since 2023, has often been seen as a pragmatic voice within his party. While he shares Trump’s objectives on many issues, he has also indicated a willingness to challenge the president-elect when he believes certain policies or approaches may not be viable. During a separate appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Thune emphasized the importance of offering honest advice to Trump regarding the workings of the Senate and the practical limitations of governance.
This willingness to engage in frank discussions with Trump may prove critical as the administration navigates the complexities of immigration policy. Balancing the demands of Trump’s political base with the practical and legal challenges of implementing mass deportations will require careful consideration and strategic planning.
For now, the debate over Trump’s immigration policies serves as a reminder of the broader challenges facing the United States on this contentious issue. With millions of lives potentially impacted by the administration’s decisions, the stakes could not be higher. As Thune and other lawmakers weigh in on the feasibility of Trump’s plans, the nation watches closely to see how these promises will translate into policy.
