In a bold statement that has reignited fierce debate on immigration, former President Donald Trump vowed that, if re-elected, he would launch the largest deportation operation in American history. Trump promised the effort would dwarf even the 1950s-era “Operation Wetback,” an initiative under President Dwight D. Eisenhower aimed at deporting illegal immigrants.

“Eisenhower’s operation was nothing compared to what we’re planning,” Trump told a crowd of supporters during a recent campaign stop. “We’re talking about a scale that no one has ever seen before in this country. This will be the largest deportation operation ever.”

Trump’s statement comes as immigration continues to be a polarizing issue in the United States, with many Republican voters demanding stricter border control measures. Trump has previously vowed to reinstate and expand several hardline immigration policies if elected in 2024, and his latest pledge underscores his intent to take drastic measures to address illegal immigration.

A New Vision for Immigration Enforcement

Trump’s plan promises to be a vast expansion of federal immigration enforcement, leveraging all available resources to locate, detain, and deport individuals residing in the country illegally. While he did not specify exact numbers or targets, Trump has said he would give the Department of Homeland Security “the authority and resources they need” to carry out this large-scale operation.

Under Eisenhower, “Operation Wetback” reportedly led to the deportation of over one million undocumented immigrants in the 1950s. Trump’s promise to surpass that figure has raised both support and concern across the political spectrum, with supporters viewing the proposed operation as a necessary step toward restoring border security, while critics warn of potential human rights issues.

‘They Have to Go,’ Trump Says

During his remarks, Trump was direct, saying, “If you’re here illegally, you’re going home.” His plan, he insisted, is not only about border security but about restoring “law and order” to communities that he claims have been negatively impacted by illegal immigration.

Critics, however, argue that Trump’s plan is both logistically challenging and ethically questionable. Mass deportations of the scale Trump envisions would require unprecedented coordination across federal, state, and local levels and could lead to significant social upheaval.

Reaction from Both Sides of the Aisle

Trump’s promise has sparked immediate reactions from lawmakers and immigration activists. Supporters on the right argue that the plan would reinforce the rule of law, while those on the left warn it could harm families and communities. Many have also pointed out that implementing such a vast operation would face logistical and financial challenges, potentially requiring billions of dollars and an expansion of detention facilities.

Immigration advocacy groups have decried Trump’s pledge as extreme, warning that large-scale deportations could lead to family separations and civil rights violations. “Trump’s proposal is not only unrealistic but cruel,” said an official from the American Civil Liberties Union. “We’re talking about uprooting lives, tearing families apart, and destabilizing communities across the country.”

Trump Stands Firm Amid Criticism

Despite the backlash, Trump remains steadfast. “I know there are critics who say it can’t be done, but they’re wrong. We’re going to restore order, and we’re going to take back our country,” he said. Trump’s comments signal that he intends to make immigration reform and border security central issues in his campaign platform.

As the 2024 election draws nearer, Trump’s vow to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history adds a new dimension to the immigration debate, setting the stage for what is likely to be a contentious campaign season.