President-elect Donald Trump has promised to carry out what he called the largest mass deportation in history, prompting concern from national organizations and local advocates.
Leo Murrieta of Make the Road Action Nevada compared it to Operation Wetback from the 1950s, which resulted in the deportation of over a million people, including many who had legal status. Murrieta warned that such actions had previously led to widespread harm, as state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement have betrayed communities during past deportations.
Business leaders are also worried about the negative economic impact of mass deportations. Advocacy groups are working to prevent local governments, schools, and other institutions from sharing information with federal immigration authorities, urging them not to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE. In states like Colorado and Nevada, where undocumented people can obtain driver’s licenses or authorization cards, local governments play a critical role in protecting people’s privacy.
Polls show that most voters do not support mass deportations. A pre-November 2024 survey by Data for Progress found broad support for deportation in only two cases: when someone has recently crossed the border illegally 70% or has a non-violent criminal record 67%. In most other cases, the majority of voters believe undocumented immigrants should not be deported, including those waiting for asylum 64%, brought to the U.S. as children and living here for at least 20 years 65%, or those with children or small businesses 59%.