President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to shake up U.S. border and immigration policy, signaling a dramatic about-face from the Biden era. His plans include issuing nearly a dozen executive orders on day one, with a focus on border security, immigration enforcement, and taking a hardline stance against international cartels. The move, unapologetically bold and brimming with Trump’s signature style, sends a clear message: the days of what conservatives see as border chaos are over.
A cornerstone of the new administration’s approach will be restarting construction of the border wall, which was effectively shelved under Biden. Trump’s executive orders will also slam the brakes on parole policies that allowed migrants from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. via the CBP One app. The numbers are staggering: nearly 1.5 million migrants came through these policies, which critics argue amounted to an open-door invitation. Trump’s team plans to reintroduce the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the Remain-in-Mexico policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed. It’s a sharp departure from the “catch-and-release” model that dominated the Biden years.
Another executive order will deploy U.S. troops to the southern border under U.S. Northern Command. This isn’t just a symbolic gesture. The military will be tasked with prioritizing national sovereignty and working closely with federal law enforcement to enhance border security. Critics of military involvement in domestic issues are likely to cry foul, but for Trump’s base, this is a long-overdue step in asserting control over a border they see as woefully neglected. The directive will ensure seamless coordination between military strategy and law enforcement, an approach designed to leave no gaps in the system.
Perhaps the most hard-hitting of Trump’s early moves will be the designation of international cartels, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This classification will allow the government to take aggressive action against these groups, freezing assets, imposing sanctions, and targeting their networks. Framing cartels as national security threats under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act underscores the administration’s intent to treat these groups as enemies of the state. For Trump, this isn’t just about stemming the tide of drugs and violence—it’s about sending a strong, unambiguous message.
These initial moves are just the tip of the iceberg. With a total of ten border-related executive orders set to roll out, the incoming administration is making it clear that immigration and border security are priority number one. While conservatives are likely to cheer what they see as decisive leadership, critics will undoubtedly frame the measures as heavy-handed. Regardless of the political spin, one thing is certain: Trump’s return to the Oval Office is setting the stage for a showdown on immigration, and he’s not wasting any time making his presence felt.
