In a bold move that signals a new era of immigration enforcement, former ICE Director Tom Homan recently announced plans for large-scale mass deportations under the incoming Trump administration. During a Fox News interview, he pledged to carry out these operations “without apology,” emphasizing a nationwide crackdown aimed at restoring what he calls “the rule of law.”
According to Homan, a primary objective is to target individuals with criminal convictions or those already ordered deported by immigration judges. However, he also confirmed that ICE will not hesitate to make “collateral arrests” if agents encounter others who are in the country illegally. Homan believes these measures will deter illegal crossings and send a clear message that immigration laws will be firmly enforced.
One of the first major operations will deploy approximately 200 ICE officers to Chicago, a prominent sanctuary city. Homan aims to scale similar efforts nationwide, focusing on regions where local policies limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. “Sanctuary cities have been a problem because they’ve provided safe havens,” Homan explained. “Now ICE will have the tools to go in and apprehend those who are breaking the law.”
This announcement has stirred both support and concern. Proponents argue that it will help reduce crime and protect American workers, while critics raise fears about families being torn apart and non-violent offenders facing severe consequences. Civil liberties groups caution that escalated ICE raids may create a climate of fear in immigrant communities.
In confirming these aggressive tactics, Homan highlighted that earlier bureaucratic and political restrictions are being lifted, enabling ICE to operate with unprecedented freedom. He insists this step is necessary to restore public trust and uphold the integrity of U.S. immigration policy.
For an in-depth look at the growing debate on these policies, Fox News has also covered the administration’s stance on sanctuary cities and increased border security.
As the new border czar prepares to take office, the promise of sweeping deportation efforts marks a significant shift from the more measured strategies of the past. With Tom Homan at the helm, ICE intends to act swiftly and decisively, underscoring a renewed commitment to uphold federal immigration enforcement in every corner of the nation.
