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President-elect Donald Trump, known for his robust stance on immigration throughout his campaign, is now facing the challenge of turning his bold promises into actionable policies. With his impending inauguration, questions loom over how Trump's administration will tackle immigration reform, which includes mass deportations and revoking birthright citizenship.

During a recent speech, Trump reiterated his commitment to strict immigration enforcement, stating, "We're getting them out of our country. They came in illegally. They're destroying our country. We're getting them out."

Joshua Treviño, Chief Transformation Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, acknowledged the enormity of the task but argued it must be addressed. Treviño expressed confidence that a rational, effective, and humane approach would be developed to manage the process.

However, Edna Yang, Co-Director of American Gateways, highlighted the immense logistical hurdles of executing mass deportations. She pointed out that many undocumented immigrants have deep-rooted ties to their U.S. communities and may be eligible for legal relief. Texas alone is home to approximately 1.6 million undocumented immigrants, which represents a significant share of the state's five million immigrant population.

Yang also emphasized that focusing solely on deportation and border closure could exacerbate existing issues, such as immigration court backlogs and family separations. She advocated for a balanced approach that aligns with American values and preserves justice.

In addition to mass deportations, Trump has promised an array of stringent policies, such as ending automatic citizenship for U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants, resuming the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, and reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy for asylum seekers.

Reports indicate that mass deportations are a day-one priority for Trump, with his team actively planning the execution despite the estimated $88 billion cost. Trump dismissed financial concerns, asserting, "there is no price tag."

Yang stressed the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the immigration system, ensuring that enforcement measures do not override the benefits and rights intended by the system. As Trump's policies unfold, Texas will be at the forefront, given its extensive border and significant immigrant population.

The Trump administration's approach could have considerable implications for Operation Lone Star, a multi-billion-dollar Texas initiative for border security. This program has involved deploying state troopers and National Guard troops and state-funded projects like a border wall and transporting migrants to Democratic-led cities.

Trump has voiced his intention to collaborate closely with Texas to address immigration issues, promising reinforcements rather than restrictions. This cooperative stance contrasts sharply with the contentious relationship between Texas and the Biden administration, which has involved legal disputes over state-level immigration enforcement.

Treviño anticipates that, unlike the adversarial tactics observed under President Biden, the Trump administration's policies will bring additional resources and improved coordination, enhancing Texas's capability to manage border security challenges.