A group of prominent military contractors, including former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince, has pitched the Trump White House on a proposal to carry out mass deportations through a network of “processing camps” on military bases, a private fleet of 100 planes, and a “small army” of private citizens empowered to make arrests.
The blueprint — laid out in a 26-page document President Donald Trump’s advisers received before the inauguration — carries an estimated price tag of $25 billion and recommends a range of aggressive tactics to rapidly deport 12 million people before the 2026 midterms, including some that would likely face legal and operational challenges, according to a copy obtained by POLITICO.
The Proposal and its Key Players
The group, led by Erik Prince and Bill Mathews, proposes aggressive strategies for mass deportations, leveraging private contractors and military resources. Prince, known for his ties to Trump, aims to address the administration's deportation agenda through this unsolicited proposal.
Challenges and Legal Implications
The proposal's ambitious goal of deporting 12 million people in two years raises significant legal and operational hurdles. Suggestions like forming private citizen arrest teams and expediting deportation hearings face scrutiny from former immigration officials for their potential violations of due process and existing laws.
Feasibility and Criticisms
Experts question the scalability and practicality of the proposed plan, highlighting logistical challenges, legal obstacles, and the moral implications of mass deportations. Concerns over costs, international cooperation, and political risks underscore the complexities of executing such a massive operation.
Impacts and Controversies
The proposal's release has sparked debates on immigration policies, government reliance on private contractors, and the ethical considerations of deportation strategies. The involvement of military contractors in immigration enforcement raises concerns about accountability, oversight, and adherence to established legal frameworks.
As discussions continue between the White House and military contractors, the proposal's viability and alignment with national priorities remain subjects of intense scrutiny and debate.