As President Trump’s term nears its conclusion, his management is enacting a series of measures focused on increased immigration enforcement. These actions include plans to dramatically expand detention capacity through the renovation of industrial warehouses in multiple states, and a controversial program incentivizing private companies to locate undocumented immigrants. The initiatives, which are projected to cost over $1 billion through 2027, are drawing scrutiny from human rights groups and business leaders alike, as detailed in the reports below.
The Trump administration is planning for the potential detention of up to 80,000 people in repurposed industrial warehouses, while simultaneously operating a program that pays private companies based on the number of immigrants they locate, according to recent reports. The move underscores a continued focus on immigration enforcement as President Trump nears the end of his term.
Federal officials are seeking contractors to overhaul the immigration detention system, with plans to renovate warehouses to house large numbers of detainees and expedite deportations. The initiative aims to dramatically increase detention capacity, officials say.
The warehouses are envisioned near major logistics hubs in Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Georgia, and Missouri.
Records reviewed reveal that ten companies involved in the program have already received over $1 million, with projections exceeding $1 billion by 2027. The agency reportedly plans to pursue approximately 1.5 million immigrants currently living in the country.
The largest contract within the program is estimated to be worth $365 million.
National Guard Deployment to New Orleans
In a separate action, the Trump administration has ordered the deployment of 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans before the new year. This deployment is the latest in a series of federal troop movements coinciding with increased border security efforts and a crackdown on immigration. The operation is targeting the apprehension of 5,000 individuals, according to reports.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated the National Guard troops will remain deployed through February.
Meanwhile, a federal judge dismissed a challenge from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposing the administration’s $100,000 fee on visas for highly skilled foreign workers. The judge ruled that Congress granted the president the authority to “impose any restriction [he] deems appropriate” on the entry of foreign nationals.
The United States and Palau have reached an agreement worth $7.5 million for Palau to accept 75 immigrants slated for deportation from Washington. Both governments confirmed the arrangement.
In his Christmas message, President Trump criticized what he called the “radical left,” transgender individuals, and migrants, asserting that “we no longer have open borders.”
