The Trump administration has broadened its authority to swiftly deport undocumented immigrants, marking another step towards fulfilling its campaign promise of large-scale deportations. A recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notice lifts restrictions on expedited removal, which were implemented in March 2022 under the Biden administration. Previously, this power was limited to individuals apprehended within 100 miles of the border or recent arrivals. The change now permits officials to deport those who cannot demonstrate at least two years of residency in the U.S., provided they haven't successfully applied for or been granted asylum.

This expanded authority, as outlined in the notice signed by Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman, aims to more effectively manage the substantial number of individuals unlawfully present in the United States. It allows for the prompt removal of those who lack legal grounds to enter, stay, or receive protection from deportation. The DHS believes this will significantly enhance efficiency in addressing unauthorized immigration.

This policy shift follows the DHS's rescission of a Biden-era memo that restricted locations where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers could apprehend undocumented immigrants. Additionally, another memo directed a review of the use of humanitarian parole for admitting migrants. These actions are part of a series of executive orders by President Trump, including declaring a national emergency at the border, halting refugee resettlement, ordering removals without asylum proceedings, resuming border wall construction, and deploying the military to the border.

Former acting ICE director and Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, confirmed that the mass deportation operation is already in progress. He stated that ICE teams are prioritizing apprehending individuals deemed public safety threats, based on pre-developed target lists.