On January 20, 2025, the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, was sworn into office and wasted no time in taking action. He immediately signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern border of the United States and deployed military forces to reinforce the border. In his inaugural address, Trump stated, “All illegal border crossings will be stopped immediately, and we will begin the process of repatriating millions of criminal foreigners to their home countries.”
Shortly after his inauguration, US border authorities announced the closure of the “CBP One” asylum application program that was in place during the Biden administration. Trump also revealed his intention to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring foreign nationals seeking asylum in the United States from the US-Mexico border to stay in Mexico while awaiting identity verification by US authorities and immigration court hearings, effectively ending the practice of “catch and release” for illegal border crossers.
The Trump administration wasted no time implementing strict measures on border and immigration policies, all of which signify a decrease in the number of immigrants coming to New York City from the southern border. In response to these actions, some New York City residents and officials have expressed willingness to cooperate with the new government.
Following the presidential inauguration, Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis from Staten Island confirmed that New York City is set to conduct large-scale deportations of illegal immigrants soon. She disclosed that she had met with Border Chief Tom Homan a few weeks prior, who indicated that the large-scale deportations would begin in Chicago and subsequently extend to New York City, without specifying an exact timeline.
Malliotakis further elaborated on the targets of the anticipated deportations, emphasizing a focus on criminals as well as members of drug cartels, gangs, and human traffickers. She emphasized that the new federal government is committed to expelling these dangerous individuals from the United States, a sentiment echoed by her constituents.
Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi from Long Island also expressed readiness to collaborate with President Trump in repairing the fractured immigration system of the United States, which includes strengthening border enforcement and combating criminal immigrants.
“I agree with the President’s emphasis on combating illegal immigration and deporting criminal elements,” Suozzi stated. “These should be common priorities for our nation.”