Context:

President Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to increase the deportation force by 20,000 officers, significantly expanding immigration enforcement. This order includes a plan to deputize state and local law enforcement officers, although how such an initiative would be funded remains unclear. Trump's administration has been actively pursuing mass deportations through raids and more lenient arrest locations, but has faced challenges in achieving its goals. Recently, efforts have shifted towards encouraging voluntary departure, offering financial incentives under a plan called 'Project Homecoming.' The proclamation warns of severe consequences for those who choose to remain, including fines, wage garnishment, and confiscation of property.

Dive Deeper:

• President Trump has instructed the Department of Homeland Security to increase the deportation force by 20,000 officers, aiming for a vast expansion of immigration enforcement. This initiative involves deputizing and contracting with various law enforcement personnel, including local and state officers, former federal officers, and others.

• There are currently about 6,000 officers focused on deportation efforts at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the proposed expansion raises concerns about funding and logistical feasibility.

• Trump has previously advocated for deputizing local and state law enforcement for immigration enforcement, with agreements already signed with some local enforcement agencies. A recent operation in Florida involved local law enforcement assisting ICE in arresting over 1,100 migrants.

• The administration has been conducting large-scale raids, arresting international students, and easing restrictions on arrest locations like courthouses, but has struggled to reach the desired pace for mass deportations.

• To encourage voluntary departure, the administration has introduced 'Project Homecoming,' offering $1,000 and travel costs to migrants who leave voluntarily using a government app. The campaign aims to inform migrants of the offer and warn of severe consequences if they choose to stay.

• Consequences for remaining in the U.S. could include arrest, deportation, fines for immigration-related crimes, wage garnishment, and confiscation of personal property, including homes and vehicles.

• The administration's approach reflects a shift towards self-deportation, attempting to motivate undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily with federal support and avoid harsher punitive measures.