How Texas, Florida Republican Governors Are Supporting Trump's Mass Deportations

Republican-led states are preparing to assist the federal government in implementing President Donald Trump's promise of the "largest deportation operation in U.S. history." In his first week in office, Trump signed executive orders aimed at expanding immigration enforcement and stepping up deportations, including giving the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) greater authority to conduct raids in sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, and churches, marking a major shift in U.S. immigration policy.

Trump emphasized his commitment to deporting undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records, during a speech following his inauguration. Raids are expected to begin immediately. "We will begin the process of removing millions of criminal aliens," he said, adding that these individuals would be sent back to their home countries.

Several Republican-led states, including Florida and Texas, have developed policies that align with Trump's immigration goals, as reported by Telemundo. Both states are expected to play key roles in the execution of mass deportations. Florida Governor Rick Scott and Texas Governor Greg Abbott have expressed their support for the increased immigration enforcement, with Abbott even highlighting Texas' readiness to collaborate with federal authorities.

For instance, officials in Texas announced on Jan. 15 that construction of a 1.5-mile segment of state-built border wall was completed in Starr County. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said the property includes easements for new segments. Meanwhile, a Texas Senate proposal seeks to use eminent domain to facilitate wall construction, though resistance from some landowners has led to fragmented sections across multiple counties.

In contrast, California and many of its local governments, including Los Angeles and San Diego County, have taken a stand against deportations, passing resolutions to refuse cooperation with federal immigration agencies.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is sending 1,500 active duty troops to help secure the US-Mexico border, according to a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran. Even though law prohibits troops from enforcement duties under the Posse Comitatus Act, Trump has directed through executive order that the incoming secretary of defense and homeland security chief report back within 90 days if they think an 1807 law called the Insurrection Act should be invoked. Such law would allow those troops to be used in civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil.

In another move to curb immigration, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the suspension of the scheduling feature on CBP One, a mobile app designed to help immigrants submit information and schedule interviews with immigration authorities before reaching the U.S. border. As a result, all future asylum appointments have been canceled.

In addition, White House quietly updated its Spanish-language website messaging Tuesday afternoon after online backlash over the now-infamous "Go Home" button sparked a social media storm.

The contentious phrase, which initially appeared when users visited the Spanish version of the White House site, has been replaced with a more neutral "Go to Home Page" message.

K-12 schools across the United States are bracing for potential changes under the incoming Trump administration, which has pledged aggressive deportation efforts once it assumes on January 20.

Educators and administrators are focusing on safeguarding undocumented students and their families by reinforcing privacy rights, building trust, and providing resources. These measures aim to address fears that deportation policies could disrupt education and well-being, as reported by The Hill.