Six blue state AGs prep to battle Trump on immigration after his win campaigning on the issue

Several Democratic attorneys general are preparing to take legal action against President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration in anticipation of his plans to carry out mass deportations of illegal immigrants. Throughout the election season, Trump campaigned on the issue and was seen as more capable on immigration by most polling data. 

According to Politico, attorneys general from six blue states are strategizing to counter any moves by Trump to use military resources to carry out deportations, including efforts to federalize the National Guard. The attorneys general are also preparing to challenge efforts to withhold federal funding from local law enforcement agencies that refuse to cooperate with federal deportation orders.

“There are ways to [handle immigration] that are in line with American values and conform to American law. But they don’t seem to be interested in pursuing that,” claimed New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, according to Politico. AGs from Colorado as well as California also preparing for a legal fight.

The attorneys general are reportedly preparing briefs and analyses while determining the most favorable courts in which to file lawsuits. Meanwhile, Trump’s team is devising ways to implement policies that can withstand judicial scrutiny. In the past, Trump has suggested invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to facilitate the deportation of violent immigrant gang members.

Trump confirmed in a recent social media post that he intends to declare a national emergency upon taking office and use military assets to address the ongoing migrant crisis and the number of illegal immigrants in the United States. His campaign prominently featured promises of mass deportations and a crackdown on immigration.

Trump is also expected to terminate the Biden administration’s parole program for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as well as the CBP One mobile app used by migrants to seek asylum.

Former Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan, who has been tapped as Trump’s border czar, has pledged to escalate deportation efforts. Homan has stated that more immigration agents could be sent to sanctuary cities that refuse to assist the federal government with deportations. He also vowed to destroy human trafficking cartels, saying earlier this month that “These cartels are animals and that’s why President Trump is going to take them off the face of the Earth.”

The election of Trump as well as consistent polling throughout the election cycle indicate significant public support for stricter immigration enforcement and deportations of those in the country illegally. Trump’s immigration policies are expected to be a central focus of his administration as he assumes office for a second term.