West LA Times

The 2024 presidential election has seen immigration emerge as a significant issue, with the president-elect outlining plans to deport around 11 million immigrants. This proposal includes the potential use of military resources to achieve this goal.

Cecilia Menjívar, a sociologist specializing in immigration law and its impact on immigrants' lives, has addressed concerns regarding the feasibility of these plans. Menjívar states: "Logistically, removing 11 million individuals would require unprecedented bureaucratic reorganization, new facilities, the mobilization of a new cadre of civil servants, and an estimated $88 billion annually."

She highlights that existing court backlogs could hinder these efforts. "Courts, already backlogged with over 2 million pending cases, can thwart these plans," she notes. Additionally, resistance from state and local governments and some countries' refusal to accept deportations could pose further challenges.

Menjívar predicts that despite obstacles, there will be numerous deportations: "Still, there is no question there will be thousands of (highly publicized) deportations, likely breaking new records." She anticipates extreme actions during the administration's initial phase.

The sociologist emphasizes that regardless of how quickly or extensively the administration acts, confusion and fear are expected outcomes: "Creating confusion, fear and anxiety is an integral part of the project."

Immigrant rights organizations and allied groups are preparing for potential changes while remaining uncertain about specific developments. Immigrants themselves are also ready to respond based on past experiences during the first Trump administration.

Menjívar's research spans immigrant communities in Arizona and Nebraska over three decades. She is available for interviews alongside other experts in this field.