Tom Homan, recently appointed as the U.S. Border Czar, has pledged to intensify efforts to identify and deport criminal migrants residing in the United States. In a recent statement, Homan highlighted a notable reduction in illegal border crossings, with U.S. Border Patrol reporting 229 encounters in the past 24 hours, a substantial decrease from the over 11,000 daily encounters reported during the previous administration.
Since President Trump’s inauguration, there has been a 98% increase in the arrest of migrants with criminal histories and a 105% rise in suspected gang member arrests. Homan emphasized the administration’s focus on public safety threats, particularly targeting violent gangs such as Tren de Aragua.
The decline in border crossings has also led to operational changes within migrant support services. For instance, a San Diego migrant shelter recently closed due to the absence of new asylum seekers since the current administration took office. The Jewish Family Service of San Diego, which managed the shelter, has shifted its focus to providing legal services for migrants, attributing the change to federal policy adjustments and funding reallocations.
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has expressed a willingness to collaborate with federal authorities to address illegal immigration. Following discussions with Homan, Adams indicated support for modifying the city’s sanctuary policies to allow the NYPD to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in apprehending and deporting criminal migrants. This development has sparked debate among city officials and residents, reflecting the complexities of immigration enforcement in urban centers.
These initiatives are part of the administration’s broader strategy to enhance border security and prioritize the removal of individuals deemed threats to public safety. While supporters argue that these measures are necessary for national security, critics raise concerns about potential impacts on immigrant communities and the ethical implications of expanded deportation efforts.