Former acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Tom Homan, is contemplating a significant expansion of deportation efforts should former President Donald Trump be re-elected in 2024. Homan, known for his stringent stance on immigration enforcement, has indicated that no illegal immigrant would be exempt from potential deportation under this plan.
During his tenure under the Obama administration, Homan was recognized for his effective leadership of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), which is responsible for the arrest and removal of illegal immigrants. A Washington Post article once lauded him for his proficiency in deportations, a sentiment Homan regards as a badge of honor.
Under the Trump administration, Homan saw ICE’s arrest rates surge as the agency received increased authorization for its operations. However, since the Biden administration took office, deportations have significantly decreased, dropping from a peak of 267,258 in fiscal year 2019 to 72,177 in fiscal 2022.
Homan has been a vocal defender of ICE’s actions during his leadership, often clashing with left-wing politicians in high-profile congressional hearings. He currently serves as the president and CEO of Border911, a nonprofit organization focused on educating the public about border security issues.
With Trump leading several polls for the GOP nomination and potentially facing off against Biden, Homan is poised to play a pivotal role in Trump’s immigration policy. Trump has already promised the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history” if he returns to office, and Homan is ready to spearhead this initiative.
Homan emphasizes that the deportation strategy would not involve indiscriminate sweeps but rather targeted enforcement operations against specific criminal illegal immigrants. However, these operations could also lead to the collateral arrests of other illegal immigrants present in the country.
In terms of logistics, Homan suggests that a significant increase in detention beds, ICE agents, technical support, and contractors would be necessary to execute such a large-scale deportation program. He also advocates for legislative changes to deter people from ignoring a judge’s removal order and calls for stricter measures against sanctuary cities.
Homan acknowledges the challenges of deporting the millions of illegal immigrants who have entered the U.S. during the Biden era, in addition to the existing illegal immigrant population. He believes that enforcing immigration laws is crucial to resolving the border crisis and deterring future illegal immigration.
This proposed enforcement strategy is expected to face substantial opposition from activist groups and Democratic lawmakers, mirroring the resistance encountered during the Trump administration. However, Homan argues that the enforcement of court-ordered deportations is a necessary component of the due process in the asylum system.
Homan’s vision for a historic deportation operation underscores the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States and the potential shifts in enforcement strategies depending on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.