Trump Demands Mass Removal of Undocumented Immigrants
Former President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by calling for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, using the term "remigration", a phrase associated with far-right European movements. On his social media platform, Trump sharply criticized the current administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom for what he described as an invasion of the United States.
Harsh Critique of Biden Administration and California Leadership
Trump accused the Biden administration and Governor Newsom of allowing 21 million undocumented immigrants into the country, claiming their presence has overwhelmed schools, hospitals, and communities while costing billions in welfare. He asserted, "America was invaded and occupied. I am reversing the Invasion. It's called Remigration."
He also commended Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, whom he labeled "HEROES", pledging full support for their efforts amid widespread protests against immigration enforcement.
Targeting Governor Newsom
Trump did not hold back in criticizing Newsom directly, referring to him derogatorily and accusing the governor of poor management during unrest in Los Angeles. Trump claimed credit for deploying the National Guard to the city, implying that without his intervention, it would have descended into chaos.
The Controversial Term 'Remigration' and Its Roots
The concept of remigration involves sending immigrants back to their home countries and has gained traction among far-right nationalist groups, particularly in Europe. Trump has incorporated the term into his rhetoric during his 2024 campaign, promising to end what he calls the "migrant invasion" and repatriate undocumented immigrants.
Prominent European far-right figures, like Austrian activist Martin Sellner, affiliated with ethnonationalist movements, have also popularized the term, underscoring its controversial nature.
Legal Pushback and Federal Challenges
Trump’s efforts to use the National Guard in Los Angeles faced legal challenges when a federal judge ruled his takeover of the state’s reserve forces illegal, citing presidential authority limits. The Department of Justice swiftly labeled the ruling an "extraordinary intrusion" on the president’s powers and filed an emergency appeal, seeking a rapid court decision.
Plans for a New Immigration Enforcement Office
Simultaneously, the Trump administration announced plans to establish an "Office of Remigration" within the State Department. This new office is part of a broader strategy to intensify immigration enforcement and assert stricter control over undocumented migration.
