1.4 million illegal immigrants in the US face deportation, while sanctuary cities defy federal cooperation, setting the stage for a massive immigration showdown.
At a Glance
- 1.4 million illegal immigrants have been ordered deported by federal immigration judges
- Only 13,000 of these individuals are currently in ICE custody
- Sanctuary cities are vowing to protect illegal immigrants, defying federal authorities
- Mass deportation could break up nearly 5 million American families and push 10 million US citizens into economic hardship
- Undocumented workers contribute $96.7 billion in taxes and play a crucial role in the labor force
The Deportation Dilemma: Numbers and Challenges
The United States is facing a significant immigration enforcement challenge. According to recent reports, approximately 1.4 million illegal immigrants in the country have been ordered deported by federal immigration judges. This staggering number represents a backlog of cases spanning multiple presidential administrations. Despite these orders, only a fraction of these individuals are currently in custody.
U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) currently holds about 13,000 of these individuals in custody. This leaves a vast majority of those ordered deported still at large within the United States. The discrepancy between deportation orders and actual enforcement highlights the ineffective operation of the immigration system.
Reminder: Despite losing the election & polls repeatedly showing Americans favor mass deportations & restrictions on the number of migrants in the country, the Biden/Harris admin is still allowing up to 1,500 migrants to enter the US every day via the CBP One cell phone app & up…
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) November 19, 2024
Sanctuary Cities: A Thorn in Federal Enforcement
Complicating matters further is the rise of “sanctuary cities” across the nation. These municipalities have declared themselves safe havens for illegal immigrants, vowing to protect them and refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. This defiance of federal law creates a significant obstacle for ICE and other agencies tasked with enforcing deportation orders.
Los Angeles, for example, has not only adopted a sanctuary city ordinance but has also declared its school district a sanctuary district. This move prohibits employees from complying with immigration authorities, effectively creating a shield for illegal immigrants and their families. While sanctuary cities argue they’re protecting vulnerable communities, they’re also obstructing the rule of law and potentially harboring individuals who pose risks to public safety.
The Economic Impact of Mass Deportation
While enforcing immigration laws is crucial for national security and sovereignty, there are economic implications from mass deportation. According to a report by the Center for Migration Studies, undocumented workers contribute $96.7 billion in taxes annually and have a labor force participation rate of 77.2%. This significant economic contribution cannot be ignored when discussing deportation policies.
Furthermore, the report suggests that mass deportation could lead to devastating economic consequences for American families. The median household income for mixed-status households could drop from $75,500 to $39,000, a decrease of over 48%. This economic downturn would not only affect illegal immigrants but also millions of U.S. citizens living in these households.
