Trump vows to implement "largest domestic deportation operation" if re-elected as president

During a speech in Iowa in September, former President Donald Trump declared his intention to implement "the largest domestic deportation operation in American history" if he secures a second term in the 2024 presidential race. (Related: Trump to launch biggest DEPORTATION effort in U.S. history if elected.)

"Upon my inauguration, I will immediately terminate every Open Borders policy of the Biden administration. Following the Eisenhower Model, we will carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. I’ll also invoke immediately the Alien Enemies Act to remove all known or suspected gang members," Trump said.

Trump draws inspiration from the 1954 initiative, known as "Operation Wetback," of former President and World War II hero Dwight D. Eisenhower. The program, which sought to curb the influx of approximately three million illegal immigrants into the US, primarily in California, Arizona and Texas in the 19th century, involved transporting undocumented individuals deep into Mexico using buses, trains and ships.

Despite having only 1,075 Border Patrol agents back then, the program grants the president broad powers during times of war or threat. This allowed the expulsion of individuals deemed dangerous to the country.

To date, many Border Patrol veterans, including Trump, still admire this operation.

In a Fox News Business Channel event in 2015, Trump praised the immigration approach of Eisenhower. "People liked him. I liked Ike. [That's the] expression. 'I Like Ike.' Moved a million and a half illegal immigrants out of this country, moved them just beyond the border: They came back. Moved them again, beyond the border: They came back. Then moved them way south. They never came back," Trump said at the time.