Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for “border czar,” announced on November 11 that his main focus will be deporting immigrants who pose safety and security threats, as well as those working illegally at job sites. Homan, who served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term, will lead the administration’s border efforts starting January 20.
Trump, who campaigned heavily on cracking down on illegal immigration, has promised aggressive deportation efforts. Vice President-elect JD Vance stated that the goal could be to deport up to 1 million people annually. In an interview, Homan emphasized that immigrants posing public safety and national security risks would be prioritized, along with those who have failed asylum claims.
Trump’s announcement, posted on his Truth Social platform, detailed Homan’s responsibilities, which include overseeing the Southern and Northern borders, maritime security, and aviation security, in addition to deporting undocumented immigrants. Homan, who has been a strong supporter of Trump, expressed that he hopes to work with local law enforcement but is prepared to send additional ICE officers into “sanctuary” cities if needed.
Critics, including immigrant advocates, argue that Trump’s deportation strategy could be costly and inhumane, leading to family separations and community disruption. Homan, who supported the controversial family separation policy in 2018, stated that detaining families together might be a better solution moving forward.
Trump is still considering potential nominees for the head of the Department of Homeland Security, with former acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf and Rep. Mark Green being among the top candidates. Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump’s tough immigration policies, is expected to return to the administration as White House deputy chief of staff for policy.
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