On President Donald Trump’s first day in office, he wasted no time in making his stance on border security clear by issuing several executive orders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) quickly took action, setting the wheels in motion to implement these orders.
Notably, Trump became the first modern president to declare an invasion at a U.S. border, a move reported by The Center Square. This bold proclamation aimed to suspend entry into the country and tasked federal agencies with the responsibility to “repel the invasion.”
Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman followed suit, issuing two crucial directives intended to curb the ongoing issues at the southern border and bolster law enforcement efforts to safeguard the American public.
The first directive rescinded previous guidelines set by former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Under Mayorkas, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers were restricted from making arrests in so-called “protected areas.”
Back in October 2021, Mayorkas had outlined a sweeping policy, instructing ICE and CBP officers to steer clear of certain locations when making arrests. He argued that such actions would “restrain people’s access to essential services or engagement in essential activities.” These protected areas included medical facilities, public schools, places of worship, playgrounds, and spaces for social services like food banks.
The new directive aims to empower the dedicated men and women of CBP and ICE, enabling them to enforce immigration laws effectively. According to a DHS statement, it will ensure that “criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.” The Trump Administration expressed a commitment to supporting law enforcement, trusting them to exercise common sense in their duties.
The second directive addressed what was described as “the broad abuse of humanitarian parole” that had been implemented under Mayorkas. This change reverts the process to a case-by-case basis as outlined by federal immigration law.
ICE and CBP are now working to phase out parole programs that do not align with federal statutes. Among these programs were more than a dozen initiatives identified by U.S. House Republicans as illegal, which critics claimed facilitated the entry of millions of inadmissible foreign nationals.
One such program, the CBP One app, was terminated almost immediately following Trump’s inauguration, as reported by The Center Square. DHS asserted that the “Biden-Harris Administration abused the humanitarian parole program,” allowing 1.5 million migrants to enter the country indiscriminately. The Trump Administration’s swift action on this front seeks to restore the program’s original intent of assessing migrants individually.
Furthermore, DHS announced the reinstatement of Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). Originally instituted on January 25, 2019, the MPP required certain individuals seeking entry into the U.S. to wait in the neighboring country from which they arrived until their removal proceedings were completed.
The Biden administration’s attempt to suspend or end the MPP faced legal challenges from Texas and Missouri. A federal judge ruled the termination of the policy unlawful, as reported by The Center Square. Despite the Department of Justice’s appeal, the policy remained in place, underscoring the complexities of immigration law.
These decisive actions bolster the efforts of border czar Tom Homan, who is leading a rigorous deportation operation targeting sanctuary jurisdictions. This initiative responds to the more than 14 million illegal border crossings reported during the Biden administration and tackles the backlog of individuals already on the ICE docket for removal. The operation aims to address the presence of violent criminals freely living within U.S. borders.
The Trump Administration’s approach to border security emphasizes strict enforcement and adherence to immigration laws. By reinstating policies like the MPP and rescinding previous directives, the administration seeks to establish a secure and orderly border, addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration and ensuring the safety of American citizens.
In summary, these strategic moves reflect a commitment to border security and law enforcement, highlighting the importance of maintaining a robust immigration system.
The Trump Administration’s actions signify a strong stance on safeguarding the nation’s borders and enforcing immigration policies effectively. These measures align with a vision of a secure and prosperous America, where law and order prevail.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.
