Tom Homan Vows Mass Deportations Under Trump Administration, Plans Nationwide CrackdownTom Homan, the incoming border czar under President-elect Donald Trump, has promised to initiate immediate mass deportations once the administration takes office. In a Fox News interview, Homan outlined plans for large-scale enforcement operations led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), emphasizing that the agency would be empowered to enforce immigration laws “without apology.”

Homan, a former ICE director known for his hardline stance on immigration, stated that the agency’s first priority would be targeting individuals with criminal convictions and those who had been ordered deported by immigration judges. He revealed that ICE’s efforts would include significant operations in sanctuary cities, where enforcement has been limited in the past due to local policies restricting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Deployment to Chicago and Beyond

Homan disclosed that one of the initial large-scale operations would focus on Chicago, where approximately 200 ICE officers will be deployed to carry out deportation efforts. “We’re going to start there, but ICE will be operating nationwide,” he explained. “This isn’t just about Chicago—it’s about restoring the rule of law across the country.”

The focus on Chicago reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing criticism of sanctuary cities, which have been accused of undermining federal immigration enforcement efforts. Homan made it clear that ICE agents would no longer be constrained by policies that have, in his view, hindered their ability to perform their duties effectively.“Sanctuary cities have been a problem because they’ve provided safe havens for individuals who have no legal right to be here,” Homan said. “Now, ICE will have the tools and the authority to go into these communities and apprehend those who are breaking the law.”

Targeting Criminal Aliens

Homan emphasized that the primary focus of the deportation efforts would be on individuals with criminal convictions and those who have been ordered deported by judges. According to him, there are currently about 1.4 million individuals in the United States who fall into this category.

“We’re going after the worst of the worst,” Homan stated. “If you’ve committed a crime and you’re in this country illegally, you should be prepared to face the consequences.”However, Homan also acknowledged that these operations could lead to what he referred to as “collateral arrests.” This means that individuals who are not the primary targets of enforcement operations but are found to be in the country illegally may also be detained and deported.

“When we go into a location to arrest someone with a criminal record, we’re not going to ignore others who are in violation of immigration laws,” he said. “We’re going to enforce the law across the board.”

ICE Freed from Restrictions

Homan expressed confidence that ICE’s operations would be more effective under the Trump administration, citing the removal of what he described as “bureaucratic and political restrictions.” He noted that during previous administrations, enforcement efforts were often limited by policies that prioritized certain categories of individuals for deportation while allowing others to remain in the country.

“Under President Trump, ICE will be freed to do its job the way it was meant to be done,” Homan declared. “There will be no more excuses, no more restrictions. We’re going to enforce the law without apology, and that starts on day one.”

Mixed Reactions to the Announcement

Homan’s announcement has already sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics of the incoming administration. Supporters argue that the plans are necessary to restore law and order and to address the issue of illegal immigration, which has long been a cornerstone of Trump’s political platform.

“This is exactly what the country needs,” said a Trump supporter from Texas. “For too long, our immigration laws have been ignored. It’s about time someone took action.”

However, immigrant rights advocates and civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the potential for overreach and the impact of these policies on immigrant communities. Many fear that the emphasis on collateral arrests could lead to the detention and deportation of individuals who pose no threat to public safety.

“These plans are deeply troubling,” said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “They threaten to tear families apart and create an atmosphere of fear in immigrant communities. This is not the way to address immigration reform.”

A New Era for Immigration Enforcement

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, Homan’s remarks signal a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement. The promised mass deportations and large-scale operations represent a departure from the more targeted enforcement strategies of previous administrations, reflecting President-elect Trump’s campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration.

For Homan, the mission is clear: enforce immigration laws with no exceptions and restore confidence in the system. “We’re sending a message,” he said. “If you’re here illegally, you need to leave. If you don’t, ICE will find you.”

As the nation braces for these sweeping changes, the debate over immigration enforcement is likely to intensify, with profound implications for millions of individuals living in the United States.