Tom Homan, appointed as border czar by President-elect Donald Trump, has made it clear that his main priority will be cracking down on “sanctuary cities” and ensuring they no longer provide refuge to criminals.
In a recent interview on Fox and Friends, Homan explained that, despite potential resistance from Democratic governors, he is determined to address crime in these areas, which he believes harbor criminals under the guise of protecting immigrants.
Homan’s stance is firm. “If you are not going to help us, get the hell out of the way, because we’re going to do it,” he said, suggesting that if necessary, his team would double the number of agents deployed in cities like New York to combat crime.
For Homan, sanctuary cities are seen as a safety risk, as he claims they serve as safe havens for criminals rather than focusing on protecting law-abiding residents.
He also emphasized that his concerns aren’t about immigrants in general but about the criminal elements that threaten the immigrant community. “Let us protect the immigrant community. Who is the victim of MS-13 crime? The immigrant community,”
Homan noted, pointing out that gangs like MS-13 exploit vulnerable immigrants, making them targets. He believes that these sanctuary cities are complicating efforts to combat such threats, and if those cities are unwilling to cooperate, his approach will be straightforward: proceed without their help.
Homan’s long career with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) gives him a unique perspective on immigration enforcement.
Starting out as a low-level agent, he worked his way up to the position of director, giving him insight into the challenges and frustrations of managing border security.
His experience under the Biden administration led him to voice his concerns publicly, even supporting Trump’s border policies, which he felt were more proactive in addressing the nation’s immigration issues.
His criticisms of the current administration reflect his belief that the border crisis has worsened under President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
According to reports, more than 10 million immigrants have entered the U.S. illegally since they took office, making immigration a top concern for many voters.
Homan feels that with the Biden administration’s approach failing, he has the opportunity to correct course. “I’m going to look like a genius because when you follow a failure, you can’t help but succeed,” he quipped, confident in his ability to improve the situation.
As border czar, Homan’s focus will be on enforcing stricter immigration policies and ensuring that sanctuary cities play a more supportive role in protecting both citizens and immigrants from criminal activity.
With the 2024 election approaching, the state of the nation’s border security remains a critical issue for many voters, making Homan’s work crucial to the incoming administration’s agenda.