Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming “border czar,” plans to crack down on sanctuary cities and enforce mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
At a Glance
- Trump administration aims to cut federal funding to states not cooperating with deportations
- Sanctuary cities and Democratic-run states expected to resist the plans
- Homan warns sanctuary city leaders of potential felony charges for obstructing federal law
- Deportation efforts to prioritize public safety and national security threats
- Approximately 13 million undocumented immigrants currently reside in the US
Trump’s Border Czar Takes Aim at Sanctuary Cities
The Trump administration’s tough stance on immigration is set to intensify as Tom Homan, the appointed “border czar,” outlines plans to enforce mass deportations and challenge sanctuary cities. Homan’s approach includes cutting federal funding to states that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement efforts, potentially setting the stage for a contentious battle between federal and local authorities.
States like California, Illinois, New Mexico, and Arizona are expected to resist these plans, with legal challenges anticipated. The administration’s strategy involves leveraging federal funding as a tool to pressure non-cooperative jurisdictions into compliance. This approach has already met with opposition from Democratic-run cities and states, many of which have passed ordinances to resist federal immigration efforts.
Homan’s Warnings and Deportation Strategy
Homan has not minced words when addressing sanctuary city leaders who may obstruct federal law enforcement. He stated firmly, “So day one we’re going to be looking for these public safety threats, arresting them, detaining them and deporting them and if these Sanctuary City mayors don’t wanna help, then get the hell out of the way, because we’re coming, we’re doing it.”
The deportation strategy will prioritize individuals considered threats to public safety and national security. Homan has encouraged undocumented immigrants to “self-deport” to avoid long-term legal consequences, stating, “It’s best for these people to leave on their own so they don’t get an order of deportation that’s going to bar them from a legal entry in the near future.”
Resistance from Sanctuary Cities and Democratic Leaders
Democratic leaders in blue states are vocally opposing the Trump administration’s mass deportation plans. Key figures such as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs have expressed their intent to resist these efforts. In a bold move, Boston’s city council unanimously voted to obstruct Trump’s deportation efforts, setting the stage for potential legal confrontations.
Homan has criticized sanctuary cities for potentially shielding criminals and has warned of increased ICE presence if they continue to obstruct federal efforts. He advocates for local law enforcement to hand over illegal immigrant criminals to ICE for deportation, arguing that this cooperation is crucial for improving community security.
Challenges and Controversies
While the Trump administration pushes forward with its aggressive deportation plans, it faces significant logistical and financial challenges. The sheer number of undocumented immigrants in the US, estimated at around 13 million, presents a daunting task for enforcement agencies. Additionally, the plan to use the US military for deportations may face legal scrutiny and opposition.
Interestingly, these plans come at a time when unlawful crossings at the US-Mexico border are reportedly at record lows under the Biden administration. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attributes this decrease to new removal capabilities, legal pathways, and actions against smuggling groups however many critics strongly disagree stating the damage has already been done with the border wide open for 4 years.
Sources:
Trump’s ‘border tsar’ vows to cut funding to ‘sanctuary’ states
Incoming border czar warns sanctuary city mayors ‘Get the hell out of the way’ or be prosecuted
