United States | Return to sender

Donald Trump’s dream of mass deportations is a fantasy

Legal, logistical and political hurdles abound. But even unsuccessful attempts could breed chaos

A Mass Deportation Now sign is held up at the Republican National Convention
Next year’s projectPhotograph: AP
|Dallas

JUDGE CHRISTOPHER thielemann already seems exhausted when he walks into his chambers. But his exasperation is not directed towards the lawyers, interpreter or immigrants seated before him. It’s just another day at immigration court in downtown Dallas—and lately those days have been busy. Judge Thielemann says he currently has 23,000 cases pending. “I’m going to keep saying that out loud,” he remarks, as if he can’t believe it himself. Then his next deportation hearing begins.

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This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Return to sender”

From the August 31st 2024 edition

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