President Donald Trump is moving forward on what many supporters see as the centerpiece of his campaign: restoring immigration enforcement at scale and putting American workers first — even as critics and entrenched interests push back.

A group of Trump-aligned allies unveiled a detailed playbook Wednesday aimed at delivering what could become the most sweeping deportation effort in U.S. history — a plan designed not just to talk tough, but to follow through.

The proposal from the Mass Deportation Coalition — a group made up of seasoned Trump-era officials, immigration restriction advocates, and national security-focused policy experts — centers on one decisive strategy: enforcing immigration law where it matters most — in the workplace.

“There is no chance for a mass deportation program if worksite enforcement is not the centerpiece,” the playbook, shared first with POLITICO, reads. “Enforcement at scale means focusing on physical areas where illegal aliens are concentrated: worksites.”

Supporters argue this approach directly targets the economic incentives driving illegal immigration — something past administrations have avoided — and reflects a long-promised shift toward accountability.

The strategy draws comparisons to enforcement models used under Dwight D. Eisenhower, when large-scale deportation efforts were paired with workplace crackdowns. Backers say Trump is now doing what previous leaders wouldn’t: addressing both the border and the job market that fuels illegal entry.

But the plan is already exposing fault lines among political and industry groups that have long benefited from the status quo. Agriculture, construction, and hospitality sectors — all heavily reliant on undocumented labor — are signaling concern, highlighting the tension between economic convenience and immigration enforcement.

Critics warn of potential backlash, claiming worksite enforcement could be politically risky. Yet Trump allies counter that voters increasingly support tougher measures, especially when framed as protecting American jobs and wages.

The coalition’s roadmap goes beyond enforcement raids. It calls for modernizing employment verification systems and cutting off financial access for those in the country illegally — a comprehensive approach aimed at removing incentives altogether.

The push comes as the administration enters a new phase of immigration policy following internal shakeups and high-profile enforcement actions. Despite media narratives suggesting a shift in tone, the White House insists the mission remains unchanged.

“Nobody is changing the Administration’s immigration enforcement agenda,” said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson. “President Trump’s highest priority has always been the deportation of illegal alien criminals who endanger American communities. As the Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly said, approximately 70 percent of deportations to date have been illegal aliens with criminal records.”

Still, coalition members are urging the administration to go further — not scale back — and fully embrace the sweeping reforms voters were promised.

Among those backing the effort are former Customs and Border Protection acting commissioner Mark Morgan, businessman Erik Prince, and influential conservative institutions like the Heritage Foundation.

Polling commissioned by Trump-aligned firm McLaughlin & Associates suggests the public may be more supportive than critics claim, finding that a majority of likely voters back deporting those who entered illegally — and that 70 percent support stronger workplace enforcement to boost wages for American workers.

“Special interests and industry have been able to operate in the shadows, and to lean on lawmakers and administration officials,” said Mike Howell, president of the Oversight Project and a member of the Mass Deportation Coalition. “We’re taking that fight public, and we don’t think that they’re well situated to win that fight, because their arguments don’t sell with the American people.”

The coalition is targeting 1 million deportations in 2026 — a number that aligns with internal benchmarks previously reported among administration officials — marking a sharp increase from prior years.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson emphasized that workplace enforcement remains central to the administration’s strategy.

“Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to protect public safety, national security, and economic stability while rescuing individuals who may be victims of labor trafficking or exploitation,” the spokesperson said. “These operations target illegal employment networks that undermine American workers, destabilize labor markets, and threaten American communities.”

Industry leaders, however, continue to warn of economic disruption if enforcement ramps up too aggressively — particularly in agriculture, where labor shortages could impact supply chains and prices.

“The president made clear where he stands on the issue, and made clear how he wants to see the policy enforced,” said John Hollay, president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. “If [immigration raids] were to occur again on farm operations, that’s going to disrupt the food supply chain, and we’ve made that very clear. We know the president is committed to ensuring our food supply chain is not disrupted and that prices at the grocery store are not raised unnecessarily.”

For Trump supporters, the debate underscores a larger reality: after years of promises from Washington, this administration appears determined to deliver — even if it means confronting powerful interests along the way.