In an interview with NBC News on Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump emphasized that one of his top priorities upon taking office in January would be to strengthen the U.S. border.
When asked about his campaign promise of mass deportations, Trump stated that his administration would have “no choice” but to follow through with the plan. He argued that the country must have a secure border while also maintaining the desire for legal immigration. Trump, who has long advocated for strict immigration policies, described his victory as a mandate to bring “common sense” back to the country.
Regarding the cost of his mass deportation plan, Trump dismissed concerns, saying, “It’s not a question of a price tag. We have no choice.” He framed the plan as a necessary action to remove individuals who he claimed had committed serious crimes, such as murder and drug trafficking. While the exact number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. remains unclear, experts, including acting ICE Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, have warned that carrying out such an extensive effort would be a logistical and financial challenge.
Trump also reflected on his record gains among Latino voters, suggesting that his immigration stance resonated with a broad coalition of Americans, including young voters, women, and Asian Americans.
He noted his positive post-election calls with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, describing the conversations as respectful and cooperative.
Peoplesmind
