President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at declaring a national emergency to expel illegal immigrants living in the United States to fulfill his election promise.
On Monday (November 18), he commented on a social media post by Tom Fitton, president of American Judicial Watch.
Earlier this month, Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, an American government corruption investigation organization, said in a social media post that the incoming administration is preparing a declaration that would use the 'military force' to expel immigrants without legal process by declaring a national emergency.
Donald Trump commented on his post.
In the comments section, Trump wrote, 'True!!!'.
At a rally at Madison Square Garden towards the end of the presidential election campaign, Trump said that on his first day in office, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to bring out criminals.
He said, I will rescue every city and we will put these evil and bloodthirsty criminals in prison. Then kick them out as soon as possible.
He has already tapped several immigration hard-liners to serve in key Cabinet positions. Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to be his Homeland Security secretary.
Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as the “Border Czar,” has discussed his vision for mass deportations.
He said they would deport criminals first and focus on national security issues.
Throughout the campaign, Trump promised to mobilize the National Guard to help with deportation efforts. Experts told ABC News that such a move would mark a fundamental shift for the military. But it is not in domestic law.
At times, Trump has gone further. He has even suggested moving thousands of troops from overseas to the U.S.-Mexico border.
An estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants are currently living in the United States without legal status. The American Immigration Council estimates that removing large numbers of people could cost them billions of dollars each year.
In addition, the move could have a huge economic impact through lost tax revenue and labor shortages.
ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Radtz recently reported from California that Trump's immigration and mass deportation plans could impact the American agricultural industry.