A coalition of conservative groups and former federal immigration officials is urging President Trump to fulfill his campaign promise of mass deportations, accusing the administration of backing away from its hardline stance. The Mass Deportation Coalition, comprised of organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the Immigrant Accountability Project, argues that Trump's initial enforcement efforts have fallen short of his promises.
Coalition Calls for 'Phase 2'
The Coalition is advocating for what it terms 'Phase 2'—a plan to deport at least one million individuals annually. According to Mark Morgan, former head of ICE and Customs and Border Protection, the administration's current approach has been a 'deviation from the central campaign promise of mass deportations.' Morgan and others believe the administration has prioritized targeting the 'worst first,' a strategy they argue does not align with Trump's pledges to voters.
If Trump had said what industry wanted [on the campaign trail], 'I'm going to keep the illegals here so you can have cheap labor,' he would not be in the White House.
The Coalition claims that wealthy donors and industry groups have influenced the administration to soften its stance. They argue that Trump's initial success hinged on his commitment to immigration enforcement, and any deviation risks alienating his base.
Internal Divisions in the Administration
Sources within the Coalition suggest there is internal disagreement among top Republicans and White House staffers. While figures like Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff, are seen as natural allies, the Coalition has not directly engaged with him. Some members of Congress, including Rep. Chip Roy (Texas) and Sen. Mike Lee (Utah), remain staunch supporters of stricter enforcement.
The Coalition has begun lobbying across Capitol Hill and within federal agencies to push for its agenda. This week, it released a policy playbook outlining over a dozen strategies to increase deportations, emphasizing the need to adhere to Trump's campaign promises.
Enforcement Stats Under Scrutiny
The Coalition estimates that ICE removals in fiscal year 2025 will reach approximately 350,000, up from 271,400 under President Biden. However, critics argue this increase is modest given the resources invested. Official figures for Trump's first-year deportations remain undisclosed, though DHS has touted over two million self-deportations.
Border Patrol has also not provided official statistics on 'got aways'—individuals who cross the border undetected. Former ICE head Mark Morgan estimates this number to be between 25,000 and 30,000 last year.
The White House has denied any shift in policy, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson stating that the administration remains united on implementing Trump's immigration agenda. Despite this assurance, the Coalition vows to continue its campaign to ensure enforcement aligns with Trump's campaign rhetoric.