President-elect Trump’s plans to curb illegal immigration aim to ease the burden on Border Patrol agents and local police along the southern U.S. border, according to National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd.
Trump secured wins in 14 out of 18 counties within 20 miles of the border, areas typically leaning Democratic. Among Latino voters in those counties, 55% supported him, marking a 55% rise from 2020.
The president-elect has promised to target noncitizens convicted of crimes and the 1.4 million immigrants still in the U.S. despite formal removal orders. His proposed policies include declaring a national emergency to assist deportations with military aid, eliminating DACA, and ending birthright citizenship.
Trump also plans to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for U.S. court dates. This policy, ended by the Biden administration in 2022, could significantly impact border town policing.
“Once you have that drop in illegal border crossings, local law enforcement can focus on their job,” Judd said. “Right now, their time is consumed with illegal immigration and drug issues, but these changes could free them up to protect their citizens.”
Cartels, earning an estimated $13 billion annually smuggling people into the U.S., might see disruptions from tightened border policies. Some officials report a surge in smuggling activities ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
“They’re going to push hard now,” said Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels. “Cartels know a president is coming in who will secure the border and declare an emergency.”
Judd, a former Border Patrol agent and union leader, emphasized Trump’s effectiveness compared to past administrations. “Under Trump, border numbers and drug inflow were significantly reduced. Local law enforcement saw fewer drugs on the streets,” he noted.
During Biden’s presidency, there have been 8 million migrant encounters nationwide, with 6.7 million at the southern border. The foreign-born population hit a record high of 51.6 million in March, representing 15.6% of the U.S. population.
Judd pointed out changing border patterns over decades, noting unprecedented challenges under Biden. “Under previous presidents, there were two to three hot spots. Now, it’s seven to nine. The entire southwest border is overwhelmed.”
Local law enforcement is preparing to work with ICE under the 287(g) program, allowing officers to act as immigration officials. Trump plans to use this program to carry out mass deportations.
Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler clarified, “This isn’t about stopping people on the street for papers. If someone is arrested for a crime, they’re held accountable for being in the country illegally.”
It remains uncertain whether local departments will receive extra funding to assist with immigration enforcement.