On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, citing an "invasion" of illegal aliens.
This order directed the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Department of State to take all necessary actions to immediately repel, repatriate, and remove individuals crossing the southern border illegally.
In response, the Pentagon is developing plans to deploy additional federal troops to the border to combat illegal mass migration and related crimes.
This move aligns with President Trump's campaign promise to "seal the border on Day 1."
Furthermore, the administration has reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico during their U.S. court proceedings.
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has been suspended, affecting the resettlement system.
These actions have sparked significant debate and are expected to face legal challenges, particularly concerning the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement roles and the suspension of established immigration programs.
Claim 1:
"President Trump signed an Executive Order that suspends the physical entry of aliens engaged in an invasion of the United States through the southern border."
Fact Check: Partially True
President Trump issued an executive order addressing immigration and border security, declaring a national emergency at the southern border. However, the claim of "invasion" is a rhetorical framing, not a legally defined term. Federal courts often scrutinize such language and its implications under U.S. law. (source)
Claim 2:
"In joining the Union, the States agreed to surrender much of their sovereignty in exchange for the federal government’s promise in Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, to 'protect each of [the States] against Invasion.'"
Fact Check: True
Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution does include a clause requiring the federal government to protect states from invasion. However, "invasion" in this context historically refers to armed conflict or external military threats, not unauthorized immigration.
Claim 3:
"States, such as the Great State of Texas, have asked the Federal Government for protection against invasion during the Biden Administration, but it failed to protect them from millions of illegal aliens entering the United States, invading their communities, and imposing billions of dollars of costs upon State and local governments."
Fact Check: Mixed
Texas officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, have used the term "invasion" to describe unauthorized immigration and requested federal assistance. However, describing migrants as "invading" is controversial and legally unsubstantiated. Costs associated with immigration are a topic of debate, with studies showing both economic contributions and costs.
Claim 4:
"The President has the authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as well as inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution, to prevent the physical entry of illegal aliens into the United States across the southern border."
Fact Check: True
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) grants the President authority to suspend entry of non-citizens deemed detrimental to U.S. interests. Courts have upheld this authority, though it can be challenged if perceived as discriminatory or unconstitutional.
Claim 5:
"Through the exercise of his authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Constitution of the United States, President Trump is authorizing and directing the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Department of State to take all necessary action to immediately repel, repatriate, and remove illegal aliens across the southern border of the United States."
Fact Check: True, With Context
President Trump directed federal agencies to prioritize removal of unauthorized immigrants. However, the implementation of these orders is subject to legal and logistical challenges.
Claim 6:
"President Trump has further restricted access to the provisions of the immigration laws that would enable any illegal alien involved in an invasion across the southern border of the United States to remain in the United States, such as asylum."
Fact Check: Partially True
Trump reinstated policies like "Remain in Mexico" and sought to restrict asylum eligibility. Courts have struck down some of these measures as violating U.S. asylum laws or international treaties. (source)
Claim 7:
"In 2024, President Trump promised to 'seal the border on Day 1.'"
Fact Check: True
Trump campaigned on securing the border as a central platform and pledged immediate action upon taking office.
Claim 8:
"Illegal immigration affects the lives of all Americans. Illegal immigration hurts American workers; burdens American taxpayers; undermines public safety; and places enormous strain on local schools, hospitals, and communities in general, taking precious resources away from the poorest Americans who need them most. Illegal immigration costs our country billions and billions of dollars each year."
Fact Check: Mixed
Studies show that unauthorized immigrants contribute to the economy, including paying taxes, while also imposing costs on local services. Claims about undermining public safety are disputed; research indicates immigrants (legal or unauthorized) are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens.