Trump Pledges Tougher Border Controls, Insists Mass Deportations Won't Be Limited By 'Price Tag'

President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday said that strengthening the U.S. border would be one of his top priorities after taking over the office in January next year, adding that the cost of mass deportations was "not a question of a price tag."

Trump, who emphasized mass deportation throughout his campaigns, explained that his administration would have no alternative but to proceed with these actions. He pointed out that his victory against Vice President Kamala Harris was a call to bring "common sense" to the country.

While he stressed making the border stronger, he noted that the U.S. should remain open to welcoming people.

"We obviously have to make the border strong and powerful and, and we have to — at the same time, we want people to come into our country," he said, NBC News reported. "And you know, I'm not somebody that says, 'No, you can't come in.' We want people to come in."

When the media questioned him about the financial costs of such a plan, he indicated that the expense was irrelevant, stating that there was no choice in the matter.

"It's not a question of a price tag. It's not — really, we have no choice. When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries, and now they're going to go back to those countries because they're not staying here. There is no price tag."

Trump credited a part of his victory to his stance on immigration, believing that voters appreciate secure borders and want newcomers to enter legally and with a commitment to the country.

The president-elect highlighted the broad base of voters he attracted, noting increased support from Latino voters, young voters, women and Asian American voters compared to 2020.

He also observed a shift in political alignment, suggesting that Democrats were out of touch with many Americans' values. Specifically, he pointed to issues like defunding the police, saying these policies don't resonate with people and were seen as ineffective.

Trump also shared details about his recent phone calls with Harris and President Joe Biden following the election. He described the conversations as respectful, adding that Harris emphasized her wish for a smooth transition, which he agreed with.

The president-elect reportedly plans to mobilize the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents alongside the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, federal prosecutors, the National Guard, and even state and local law enforcement officers to carry out deportations.