The Atlantic

Will Law Enforcement Support Trump's Immigration Plans?

The president-elect has pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, but his proposals would require the cooperation of state and local authorities.
Source: Gregory Bull / AP

In an interview with 60 Minutes last month, President-elect Donald Trump made yet another pledge to remove undocumented immigrants from the United States, saying he would deport up to 3 million of them who “have criminal records.” Similar promises—like building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and blocking federal funding to so-called sanctuary cities—were a cornerstone of his campaign. But as he assumes the presidency, Trump will face not only continued public opposition to his plans, but potential obstruction by state and local law enforcement who he would need to implement any new policies.

In many cases, federal immigration agents rely on local and state police forces to identify individuals who

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