Expansion of Fast-Track Deportations Jeopardizes Countless Vulnerable Individuals and Fair Day in Court

WASHINGTON—The Trump administration announced today plans to fast-track the deportation of thousands of individuals by expanding “expedited removal,” which allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to quickly deport someone without a fair day in court. The expansion will subject people who cannot prove they have been present in the United States for two years or more to the imminent risk of deportation without an opportunity to speak with an attorney or have a court hearing.

This expansion will have a profound effect on all communities—noncitizens and U.S. citizens alike. Under the Trump administration, five times more U.S. citizens are being approached by ICE than under the Obama administration, and this expansion could grow that number exponentially.

The following statement is from Beth Werlin, executive director of the American Immigration Council:

“The Trump administration’s announcement that it plans to dramatically expand expedited removal undermines American principles of fundamental fairness. Increasing expedited removal across the country is an unprecedented expansion of the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement authority that will put many people at risk of wrongful deportation.

“Expanding expedited removal in this manner will create a 'show me your papers' regime of immigration enforcement where individuals—including any U.S. citizens they encounter—will be forced to prove they should not be deported. The American Immigration Council will not stand by idly as the Trump administration continues its unlawful attacks on our communities. We will see the Trump administration in court.”

Our experts are available for comment. Our research on expedited removal and interior enforcement under the Trump administration can be found on our website, AmericanImmigrationCouncil.org.

###

For more information, contact the American Immigration Council:

Maria Frausto at [email protected] or 202-507-7526.