Trump sought to make good on his campaign promises, signing a flurry of executive orders related to illegal immigration and refugee admissions.

President Donald Trump can’t overhaul immigration policy without Congress, but local law enforcement could expedite deportations and detain the undocumented.

This is where Mr Trump’s talk of an “invasion” becomes more than rhetorical bombast. Framing the cartels as terrorists invading America is meant to legitimise his use of the law. And because America is being invaded, Mr Trump argues, he can block anyone from crossing the border. The courts may not see it that way. ■

Several Democratic-held states have vowed to challenge President Donald Trump's executive order that calls for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants days after Trump takes office

President Trump began his immigration crackdown with a flurry of executive orders. Immigration experts say they lay out how he hopes to transform enforcement at the southern U.S. border and beyond.

In more than 21 actions, Trump has moved to overhaul parts of the US immigration system, including how migrants are processed and deported from the US. The White House has since publicised some of these efforts.