President Trump wasted no time on his first day in office, signing a series of executive actions focused on immigration and border security. The actions align with his long-standing campaign promises to reduce legal migration and enforce stricter measures on individuals residing in the U.S. without legal status. Among the significant actions, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, realigned the Refugee Admission Program, and designated criminal cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

In addition to the emergency declaration, which directs the U.S. military and National Guard to assist in building the border wall, Trump’s orders focus on tightening border enforcement and security. One major initiative, the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, will require some asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed in U.S. courts. Trump's actions also include an end to the controversial “catch and release” policy, which allowed individuals without legal status to be released from detention pending a court date. A significant component of the measures includes ending automatic birthright citizenship for children born to parents in the U.S. without legal status, an action that is expected to face immediate legal challenges due to its interpretation of the 14th Amendment.

The president's actions also include a suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, halting the entry of refugees until the U.S. government's interests are better aligned. This is accompanied by a move to eliminate asylum protections for migrants and close the border to individuals without legal status. Trump also emphasized his commitment to ensuring the safety of American citizens, reiterating his belief that the U.S. must take stronger action against criminal elements crossing the southern border.

Trump’s new measures also seek to designate criminal cartels, such as the Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations, facilitating their removal from the U.S. and enhancing vetting procedures. Furthermore, Trump issued a proclamation to grant states protection against what he termed "invasion" from unauthorized immigration, signaling further aggressive measures against those seeking to enter the U.S. illegally.

Another controversial measure in Trump’s series of actions involves restoring the death penalty for individuals convicted of murdering law enforcement officers or committing violent crimes while in the U.S. illegally. While capital punishment is legally permitted at the federal level, Trump’s reinstatement of this policy is likely to reignite debates over its use.

While these actions align with Trump’s rhetoric during his campaign, the practical implementation may take time and face significant legal hurdles. Challenges could arise from the need for new congressional funding, potential court challenges to specific measures, and the complexities of scaling up deportation and detention operations. Agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will need additional resources and personnel to carry out the ambitious goals set forth by the president. The Biden administration’s previous budget request, which includes substantial funding for border security, may provide the necessary resources, though future legislative negotiations will play a critical role in ensuring these plans are put into action.

Despite the difficulties ahead, Trump’s executive orders are a clear sign of his administration’s focus on securing the southern border and enforcing immigration laws from the very start of his second term.