Tom Homan, recently appointed as the new administration’s ‘border czar,’ outlined extensive plans for large-scale deportations, indicating a significant need for congressional funding and additional infrastructure to execute these measures.
Homan stated that the plan involves deporting undocumented immigrants on a large scale and that this initiative demands significant resources. He emphasized the necessity of acquiring at least 100,000 detention beds, a significant increase from the currently funded 40,000 beds under ICE, and the recruitment of more Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The magnitude of these operations depends heavily on the financial support from Congress, which is currently Republican-led. Homan has not yet specified the exact amount of additional funding that will be requested, highlighting the reliance on future negotiations with Congress to meet the outlined requirements.
In his interview with CNN, Homan disclosed that the military might be approached for logistical support, such as transportation, although they would not engage in enforcement activities. He also revealed ongoing efforts to solidify the administration’s deportation strategy, set to be operational from the inauguration day onwards.
Priority targets for deportation under this plan include criminals, gang members, and fugitives. However, Homan refused to disclose the total number of immigrants the administration aims to deport within the upcoming four years. ‘If you’re in the country illegally, you’re not off the table,’ he stated, underscoring the administration’s firm stance on legal violations.
The controversial issue of deporting undocumented parents whose children hold U.S. citizenship was also addressed. Homan emphasized that the responsibility for deciding the fate of these children rests with their parents, suggesting options such as staying with relatives or accompanying deported parents. He reinforced that having a child in the U.S. does not grant immunity from legal proceedings.
Moreover, the administration plans to resurrect worksite immigration raids, previously halted by President Biden. These raids aim to target industries reliant on undocumented workers, marking a return of a contentious enforcement practice.
Homan criticized Democratic-led cities for their lack of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, suggesting that such cities limit ICE’s efficiency in apprehending criminals. This situation allegedly forces ICE agents into community neighborhoods, increasing the potential to discover and arrest undocumented individuals.
With immigration policy hardliner Stephen Miller also playing a significant role in the administration, Homan assured there was complete alignment in the approach toward immigration enforcement. Homan’s goal remains clear: to maximize arrests of undocumented immigrants using the available resources throughout Trump’s incoming term.
These developments in the proposed immigration enforcement measures highlight the administration’s intent to intensify efforts on undocumented immigration. The extent to which these plans will unfold relies significantly on forthcoming commitments from Congress and might provoke further debate on immigration policy.
Source: CNN
