A coalition of 26 Republican governors has publicly declared their support for President-elect Trump's planned mass deportation initiative, vowing to collaborate with his administration to implement the policy. Led by RGA Policy Chair Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina, the governors released a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to working with Trump to "make America safe again" by addressing illegal immigration and deporting individuals deemed threats to communities and national security.

The governors highlighted their prior efforts to address border security, citing the mobilization of state resources, including law enforcement and National Guard units, to counter what they perceive as inaction by the Biden administration on the border crisis. They expressed confidence in Trump's leadership and their eagerness to partner with his administration to tackle national challenges.

Trump has appointed Tom Homan, former acting ICE director, as border czar, and nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a signatory of the statement, to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Homan has indicated that the deportation efforts will prioritize public safety threats, but has also stated that no undocumented individual is exempt from potential deportation.

While some Democratic governors have expressed opposition to cooperating with the Trump administration on deportations, the Republican governors reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the deportation of individuals deemed dangerous criminals, gang members, and terrorists who are in the country illegally. They emphasized their readiness to utilize all available resources, including state law enforcement and the National Guard, to assist President Trump in this endeavor.

Texas has already offered over 1,400 acres of land to the incoming administration for staging deportations, and Homan has confirmed that plans for utilizing this land are underway.

The governors representing Alabama, Arkansas, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming joined South Carolina in this statement.