Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” has confirmed the launch of nationwide deportation operations aimed at tackling illegal immigration. Speaking on America Reports Tuesday, Homan detailed the administration’s strategy, which prioritizes the removal of non-citizen criminals and those with final deportation orders, particularly in sanctuary cities like Chicago and New York City.
Nationwide Enforcement Operations Begin
“It has started. It has started. All these teams are out there as of today,” Homan announced. “We gave them the direction to prioritize public safety threats that we’re looking for. We’ve been working on the target list.”
Homan emphasized that the primary focus is on individuals posing a threat to public safety, such as those convicted of or arrested for serious crimes.
“Right out of the gate is public safety threats: those who are in the country illegally that’s been convicted of or arrested for a serious crime,” Homan stated.
The enforcement actions, however, are not limited to those with criminal records. “Unlike the last administration, we’re not going to tell ICE officers not to arrest an illegal alien, so if they find others, they’ll be arrested,” Homan added.
Trump’s Executive Orders on Immigration
President Trump has backed these measures with a series of executive orders aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises and securing the U.S. border. Key actions include:
- Ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
- Reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait outside the U.S. while their cases are processed.
- Designating Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Declaring a national emergency to expedite border security initiatives.
“First of all, President Trump’s a game changer,” Homan said. “Every one of the executive orders we worked on…is going to give us the most secure border in my lifetime.”
Birthright Citizenship Debate
Homan addressed the administration’s stance on ending birthright citizenship, a measure that has stirred considerable debate.
“The 14th amendment does not differentiate between somebody who’s in this country legally or illegally,” Homan noted. “I’m not an attorney, but I don’t think the 14th amendment should try and tell you all.”
Homan explained that the administration is prepared to let the Supreme Court decide on the matter, arguing that birthright citizenship is a significant driver of illegal immigration.
Focus on Sanctuary Cities and Public Safety Threats
The deportation operations are heavily focused on sanctuary cities, which have long been criticized by Trump and his allies for shielding undocumented immigrants from federal enforcement.
“When we target the public safety threats, we know exactly who we’re looking for, [and we have a] pretty good idea where they’re at,” Homan said. He revealed that over 700,000 undocumented immigrants with criminal records are currently living in the U.S., and ICE officers have been directed to prioritize arrests of this group.
A Commitment to Securing the Border
Homan’s appointment as “border czar” signals the administration’s renewed commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration and delivering on its promises to secure the border. Having served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term, Homan is well-versed in the challenges of border enforcement.
Trump’s first day back in office was marked by decisive action, including the suspension of the U.S. refugee program and the reinstatement of stricter border policies.
Homan concluded with a firm message: “We have over 700,000 illegal aliens with criminal records walking the streets of this country. That’s what we’re looking for right now.”
Implications of the New Border Policies
The administration’s aggressive approach is expected to draw significant criticism and legal challenges, particularly from sanctuary city leaders and immigration advocacy groups. However, Trump and Homan remain steadfast in their belief that these measures are essential for public safety and national security.
With mass deportations underway and a robust set of executive orders in place, the Trump administration is moving quickly to address the immigration crisis and fulfill its pledge to restore law and order at the border.