In a straightforward manner, Tom Homan, who is poised to become President-elect Donald Trump’s “border czar,” delivered a direct message to Illinois leaders who are against the administration’s extensive deportation plans.
During a conference in Phoenix, Homan made a strong promise that the Trump administration and immigration enforcement agencies will immediately take action once the new administration begins. Homan emphasized that leaders such as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will have no choice but to cooperate or face the consequences.
“The mayor of Chicago, who lacks intelligence, claims that Tom Homan is unwelcome in Chicago. Well, guess where Tom Homan will be on day one? Chicago, Illinois. If you don’t want me there, come and find me,” he confidently declared.
According to Homan, ensuring the safety by deporting undocumented immigrants is the top priority. He reassured that the administration would not be deterred by the Sanctuary City laws.
“We will overcome any roadblocks that come our way,” he confidently declared.
Homan has repeatedly expressed his intention to focus on Chicago and other regions where law enforcement is restricted from collaborating with ICE and other agencies for immigration enforcement operations. Pritzker, in response, has previously stated his willingness to hold a meeting with Homan and has made a commitment to working together in order to eliminate violent offenders from communities.
Tom Homan, who acted as the director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first administration, addressed the audience at Turning Point USA’s “AmericaFest” in Phoenix, Arizona. During his speech, he expressed his disapproval of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and sanctuary cities.
“We should deport undocumented violent criminals who have been convicted of violent crimes,” he asserted.
Pritzker firmly opposed the Trump administration’s proposal to utilize National Guard units from other states to aid in the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
“I find it unacceptable to pit one state’s National Guard against another,” he remarked, emphasizing that such actions are against American values.
Chicago’s Sanctuary City policy prohibits authorities from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status or sharing such information with other authorities. Additionally, city services cannot be withheld from individuals based on their immigration status.
Under the policy, Chicago police officers are prohibited from collaborating with ICE to deport undocumented individuals.
Illinois Governor, J.B. Pritzker, has taken significant steps towards achieving his goals by signing a range of bills. One of these bills is the Keep Illinois Families Together Act, which aims to prevent police departments from collaborating with ICE for deportation operations. Additionally, Governor Pritzker has signed bills that prohibit state agencies from entering into contracts to construct or operate private detention centers for immigration enforcement purposes. These legislative measures highlight his commitment to protecting immigrant families and advocating for humane immigration policies.
The Biden administration has prioritized deporting individuals who are considered public safety threats, whereas the Trump administration had a more aggressive approach, targeting any undocumented person in the country. Thomas Homan, a former official, even stated that no one would be exempt from deportation during that time.
The BBC reports that immigration authorities carried out the largest number of deportations in the past decade, removing over 271,000 individuals in the last fiscal year. Data analysis cited by the BBC indicates that the Department of Homeland Security estimates there are around 11 million undocumented individuals in the country, with nearly 80% of them having resided in the United States for more than ten years.
