Trump Plans to Highlight Immigration Issues as Central Campaign Theme

In a bid to fortify his campaign, former President Donald Trump is positioning immigration as a pivotal issue, focusing on the deportation of undocumented immigrants as a key promise. Recent actions by authorities aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals on work sites have sparked protests, albeit limited in scale.

According to experts, the situation has escalated to a point where Trump could deem it a national emergency, potentially allowing him to federalize the National Guard. Dag Blanck, a professor specializing in North American studies, notes that while there have been some protests, they have not reached significant levels. The president's response could involve deploying federal troops to maintain order, a move that has drawn criticism from local officials.

The National Guard, which typically operates under the authority of state governors, can be federally activated by the president if a state is unable to manage a crisis. Both California's governor and Los Angeles' mayor have publicly stated that such measures are unnecessary and could exacerbate tensions. Additionally, human rights organizations have condemned Trump's approach, accusing him of turning immigration enforcement into a spectacle.

Trump has suggested the possibility of deploying the military, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicating readiness for action. This proposition raises significant legal and ethical concerns, as there are stringent prohibitions against using federal military forces against American citizens unless absolutely necessary. Trump previously attempted this during his first term but faced pushback from military leadership.

The former president has a history of leveraging the idea of a national emergency to expand executive power, including in matters such as trade tariffs. While his ideological framework may be inconsistent, immigration stands out as a long-standing area of contention, reflecting broader sentiments of xenophobia within the United States.

Blanck emphasizes that Trump aims to underscore the urgency of combating illegal immigration, framing it as an existential challenge. This strategy not only garners support among his base but also serves to amplify fears surrounding the influx of migrants from Mexico, a situation perceived as difficult to control.

However, California's economy heavily relies on the labor provided by Mexican workers, and a sudden removal of this workforce could have significant repercussions.

Even if the National Guard units called into service are based in California and traditionally report to the state governor, it is unlikely that they would refuse to comply with presidential orders in such a scenario. This situation would test the boundaries of federalism, potentially leading to issues of military obedience and loyalty to the chain of command.