Trump’s border czar Tom Homan warns sanctuary cities of criminal charges and increased ICE presence for defying federal immigration laws.
At a Glance
- Trump’s administration plans to cut federal funding to states not cooperating with mass deportations
- Sanctuary cities and Democratic-run states are expected to resist these plans
- Tom Homan emphasizes prioritizing public safety and national security threats in deportation efforts
- Homan warns of potential felony charges for sanctuary city leaders obstructing federal law enforcement
Trump’s Border Policy and Sanctuary Cities
President-elect Donald Trump’s border policies have ignited a fierce debate, particularly concerning sanctuary cities that refuse to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainment requests. Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming “border czar,” has outlined a strategy to intensify deportation efforts, focusing on individuals deemed public safety and national security risks. This approach aims to pressure cities resisting federal immigration laws into compliance.
Homan’s plan includes cutting federal funding to states that do not cooperate with mass deportations of undocumented migrants. States like California, Illinois, New Mexico, and Arizona are expected to resist these plans, with legal challenges anticipated. The Trump administration intends to use the US military for deportations and believes federal funding can be leveraged against non-cooperative jurisdictions. “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.” stated Tom Homan
Sanctuary Cities’ Resistance and Potential Consequences
Democratic-run cities and states, including Los Angeles and Boston, have passed ordinances to resist federal immigration efforts. Boston’s city council unanimously voted to obstruct Trump’s deportation efforts. Key Democratic figures opposing the plan include Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs.
Homan has issued stark warnings to sanctuary city leaders, stating that obstructing federal law enforcement is a felony. He criticized these cities for being protective of criminals and warned of increased ICE presence if they continue to obstruct. Homan advocates for local law enforcement to hand over illegal immigrant criminals to ICE for deportation.
Deportation Strategy and Self-Deportation
The Trump administration’s deportation strategy prioritizes public safety and national security threats. There are approximately 13 million undocumented immigrants in the US, and the administration is encouraging “self-deportation” to avoid long-term legal consequences.
Deportees have the option to leave their US citizen children in the US or take them along. Texas has offered land for processing and detaining violent criminals as part of the deportation efforts. However, the mass deportation plan may face logistical and financial challenges.
Current Border Situation and Future Implications
Despite the Trump administration’s plans, it’s worth noting that unlawful crossings at the US-Mexico border are at record lows under the current 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
