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Donald Trump has announced that the largest mass deportation in American history will commence on January 20. Trump’s proposal intends to fundamentally reshape American society, although many remain skeptical about his dedication to executing this promise. His first administration’s record on deportations mirrored that of Barack Obama, with attention mainly drawn to his controversial and sometimes unlawful methods. However, Trump’s rhetoric suggests that a second term could witness more radical and extensive immigration enforcement actions than before.

The upcoming Trump administration appears better organized with fewer internal party oppositions and less concern for legal constraints. Among the expected policy revivals are separating children from parents at the border, reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy, reimposing the Muslim ban, and resuming aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on workplaces. Additionally, efforts to recommit to the border wall and terminate refugee resettlement programs and Temporary Protected Status are anticipated.

The most ambitious component of Trump's immigration agenda is the plan to detain and deport 12 million undocumented immigrants. Such a large-scale operation would have significant socioeconomic repercussions, including separating millions of U.S. citizen children from their parents and dealing a substantial blow to critical sectors like agriculture and construction. This plan also targets over 500,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, challenging the trust these individuals placed in the federal government.

Advisers suggest that implementing this trillion-dollar deportation effort would involve measures such as pressuring foreign governments to accept deportees, reallocating ICE resources, involving the National Guard, and building numerous detention camps. The most valuable resource at Trump's disposal might be local police, whose cooperation with ICE varied significantly during his first term. Some regions, like Arizona, have taken steps in anticipation, such as passing ballot propositions that empower local police to detain individuals based on their immigration status.

Arizona also presents a telling case with the election of Jerry Sheridan as Maricopa County Sheriff. As a long-time associate of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for his aggressive immigration enforcement practices and racial profiling, Sheridan’s approach may mirror Arpaio’s controversial tactics.

ICE's 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, saw a resurgence during Trump’s first term. While the program faced backlash during Obama’s administration, the number of participating jurisdictions increased notably under Trump. Critics argue that the program often leads to the deportation of individuals for minor offenses, causing widespread fear among immigrant communities.

Despite moments of resistance from some sheriffs and Democratic leaders declaring sanctuary cities, the trend has indicated a steady support for 287(g) agreements. Trump's renewed threats to withhold federal funding from non-compliant cities and states suggest a continued push for expanded local law enforcement involvement in immigration matters.

In sum, Trump's proposed mass deportation and associated immigration policies represent a profoundly contentious shift, with the potential to impact millions of lives and reshape the nation’s economic and social landscapes. All eyes will be on how these plans unfold and whether local jurisdictions align with or resist federal mandates.