President Donald Trump plans to launch his administration with a bold stroke Monday, signing 10 executive orders aimed at curbing immigration, combating drug cartels, and fulfilling key campaign promises. The sweeping actions, previewed by an incoming White House official, signal the administration's intent to reshape immigration policy and border security dramatically.
Among the headline measures is a declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, a move intended to mobilize military resources for constructing a border wall, deploying personnel, and enhancing surveillance with drones and other technology. Trump’s agenda also includes ending birthright citizenship, pausing refugee resettlements, and designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).
Constitutional Challenges Ahead
Some of the proposals stretch the boundaries of executive authority, including ending birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the Constitution. Administration officials acknowledged potential legal obstacles but framed the policy as a “prospective” change targeting future births to undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The move is expected to face immediate legal challenges from immigration and civil rights groups.
Crackdown on Asylum and Refugees
The administration plans to curtail asylum, a legal process allowing those fleeing persecution to seek safety in the U.S. Officials cited concerns about abuse of the system and pledged to reinstate the controversial “remain in Mexico” policy, which forces asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases proceed. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has voiced opposition to the plan, unveiling a government strategy to provide welfare and healthcare for deported Mexican nationals.
The refugee resettlement program will also be paused for at least four months, reflecting Trump’s broader goal of limiting immigration pathways.
Targeting Drug Cartels as Terrorist Groups
The Trump administration plans to designate certain drug cartels, such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations. Officials say this will enable a more robust response, treating cartels as irregular military forces conducting “frontier incursions” into the U.S. The designation is expected to expand law enforcement tools against cartels but may strain relations with Mexico.
The America First Policy Institute has urged the administration to include Mexican cartels in the FTO designation, accusing the Mexican government of enabling organized crime.
Death Penalty for Migrant Crimes
Another controversial measure directs the Attorney General to seek the death penalty for capital crimes involving undocumented immigrants, particularly in cases involving law enforcement fatalities. The administration argues that the policy underscores its commitment to public safety and law enforcement support.
Electoral Context and Mandate
Officials described Trump’s actions as delivering on his campaign promises. Trump won the Electoral College by 86 votes, though his popular vote victory was narrower, with 49.9% of the vote and a 2-million-vote lead over Vice President Kamala Harris.
“This is a mandate to secure the border and protect American sovereignty,” an official said.
Immediate Fallout Expected
Immigration and civil rights groups are expected to mount swift legal challenges to many of the executive orders. Critics argue that several measures, such as ending birthright citizenship and restricting asylum, violate established constitutional and international laws.
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