What does Trump’s National Emergency Declaration on southern border mean?

Shortly after his inauguration, President Donald Trump said he would declare a national emergency at the southern U.S. border, aimed at intensifying immigration enforcement. The declaration empowers federal agencies to redirect funds and resources to bolster border security, including resuming the construction of a border wall, deploying additional military personnel, and reinstating strict immigration policies from his previous administration.

Why It Matters

The declaration leverages the National Emergencies Act to address what Trump described as an ongoing “border crisis.” Incoming White House officials framed the emergency as necessary to secure the border and curb illegal crossings.

The emergency declaration reflects Trump’s broader immigration agenda. By bypassing congressional approval, the administration can redirect money from other federal programs to finance the effort and potentially complete the border wall Trump started during his first term in office.

Encounters at the southern border are lower than they’ve been since former President Joe Biden took office, according to data reviewed by Newsweek. However, border crossings are still nearly double what they were at the highest point in Trump’s first term in office.

What To Know

The national emergency declaration will allow the Trump administration to deploy armed forces and National Guard members to the border. Trump said troops will “repel the disastrous invasion of our country.” It’s unclear how many troops will be sent to the border.

Additionally, the administration wants to designate drug cartels and certain international gangs as terrorist organizations, intensifying efforts to combat the cross-border trafficking of drugs and people.

What Is A National Emergency?

Under the National Emergencies Act, presidents can declare a national emergency to unlock new powers. It’s intended to temporarily enhance the executive power to respond to a crisis that can’t wait for Congress to act. During a national emergency, presidents have over 100 statutory authorities they don’t usually have.

Congress can vote to end a national emergency but must have a veto-proof majority, or the president could overrule Congress.

Why Is Trump Calling For A National Emergency At The Southern Border?

Border security has been a top priority for Trump during all three of his presidential campaigns. He categorized immigration as an “invasion” and called for stricter measures to curb the flow of illegal immigration into the United States.

By declaring a national emergency, Trump won’t have to get all his plans approved by Congress and can take action faster.

How Long Will The National Emergency Last?

It’s unclear how long Trump plans to keep the national emergency in place. Presidents can renew national emergencies for as long as they want, as long as Congress doesn’t block them.

When Was The Last Time There Was A National Emergency?

The United States has been in a perpetual national emergency since September 11, 2001. In September, former President Joe Biden extended an order that former President George W. Bush first signed.

How Did Joe Biden And Kamala Harris React?

When Trump announced his decision to declare a national emergency, Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris sat silently.

What People Are Saying

Chad Wolf, former acting secretary of Homeland Security, in a statement: “To secure our borders, protect our communities, and defend our sovereignty, we must confront the cartels with the full force of the law.”

Greisa Martínez Rosas, executive director of United We Dream Action, said at a Thursday press conference: “We will be faced with the chaos…The terrain we are facing is horrendous and devastating.”

What Happens Next

Trump’s executive actions set the stage for an aggressive overhaul of federal immigration policy. Some measures, such as the termination of birthright citizenship and the designation of cartels as terrorist organizations, may face immediate legal roadblocks.

The national emergency declaration, which revives key elements of Trump’s first-term immigration strategy, signals the administration’s intent to prioritize border security as a cornerstone of its domestic policy. However, the longevity and impact of these policies will largely depend on the outcomes of anticipated court battles.