Former ICE director Tom Homan set to lead Trump’s ambitious deportation plan as new ‘border czar’.

At a Glance

• President-elect Trump appoints Tom Homan as ‘border czar’ to oversee large-scale deportation operation
• Homan, known for his hardline stance, plans to prioritize criminals and national security threats
• The new border czar vows to crack down on sanctuary cities and enhance border security measures
• Homan’s appointment signals a return to stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration

Trump Taps Homan for Tough Border Stance

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Tom Homan as the new ‘border czar,’ signaling a return to stricter immigration policies. Homan, who served as ICE director during the first 18 months of Trump’s previous administration, is set to lead a large-scale deportation operation focusing on enhancing border security and immigration control.

Homan’s appointment comes without the need for Senate confirmation, reflecting Trump’s confidence in his expertise and dedication to border control. The President-elect praised Homan’s capabilities, stating, “I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our borders.”

Donald Trump has named Tom Homan as the “border czar” in his incoming administration, giving the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement charge over, among other responsibilities, “the southern border, the northern border, all maritime, and aviation… pic.twitter.com/2PUlPlDXB8

— PBS News (@NewsHour) November 12, 2024

Prioritizing National Security and Public Safety

As the new border czar, Homan plans to implement a “worst first” policy, focusing on deporting criminals and individuals posing national security threats. This approach derives from his extensive experience in immigration enforcement, having served in various roles including as a Border Patrol agent and ICE executive.

“President Trump has made it clear… we’re going to prioritize public safety threats and national security threats — and there’s a lot of them” said Homan.

Homan’s strategy includes conducting worksite inspections and collaborating with local law enforcement to identify and detain migrants who have committed crimes. He emphasizes that border security is a matter of national security and transcends political affiliations.

Cracking Down on Sanctuary Cities

One of Homan’s key focuses will be addressing the issue of sanctuary cities. He plans to increase the number of agents in cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and supports legal action against such jurisdictions. Homan has suggested withholding federal funding to pressure sanctuary cities into compliance with federal immigration laws.

“If we can’t get assistance from New York City, we may have to double the number of agents we send to New York City, because we’re going to do the job with you or without you,” Homan said.

This hardline approach reflects Homan’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and his criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of border security. He has been vocal about addressing issues such as fentanyl trafficking and sex trafficking, which he believes have worsened due to lax border policies.

Enhancing Border Security Measures

Homan supports the construction of a comprehensive border wall system to bolster security efforts. The Trump administration plans to increase resources for border security, including hiring 10,000 new agents and raising salaries. These measures aim to address what Homan perceives as a national security crisis at the border.

“I’m pissed off with what [the Biden] administration did to the most secure border in my lifetime, so I’m going to go back and do what I can to fix it,” said Homan.

While Homan’s appointment has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly regarding his role in the controversial “zero tolerance” immigration policy, he remains unapologetic about his approach to border security and immigration enforcement. As the new border czar, Homan is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping U.S. immigration policies and border security measures in the coming years.