Opposing ICE will lead to the results you don't want, warns Tom Homan

In the United States, Tom Homan, the incoming border czar, cautioned localities designating themselves as sanctuary states and cities about the repercussions of resisting Donald Trump's immigration policies. He stated that opposing enforcement strategies would result in intensified efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to apprehend undocumented individuals within their communities. During an appearance on Fox News on a recent Sunday morning, Homan emphasized the dangers of releasing individuals deemed public safety threats back into communities without allowing ICE access to jails where undocumented immigrants are held. He argued that allowing ICE into these facilities would lead to safer communities and reduce the risk for both the public and individuals in custody. Homan's warnings targeted several states and cities that have vocally opposed ICE, including Colorado and Los Angeles. He articulated that cooperation between local law enforcement and immigration officers is vital in ensuring public safety. If sanctuary jurisdictions continue to impede ICE operations, Homan predicted that his agency would need to increase its community presence significantly to locate individuals released from jails. He described this as a necessary response to protect the community at large, implying that this would lead to increased arrests, including of other undocumented immigrants who might be considered non-priority individuals but are nonetheless here illegally. Statements made by local officials further illustrated the tensions surrounding Trump's immigration policies. Various leaders, including the Mayor of Denver, Mike Johnston, and California's Governor Gavin Newsom, openly pledged to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation efforts. Homan noted that these proclamations are counterproductive, arguing they foster an environment wherein those who are in the country illegally can evade law enforcement. As Homan framed his argument, he contended that sanctuary laws and resistance to federal immigration enforcement measures could ultimately endanger both residents and those illegally in the United States. He maintained that upholding the law and allowing federal oversight in local jails is essential to ensuring safety and stability within communities across the nation. His remarks came amid a growing chorus of opposition to federal immigration measures and an evolving national discourse surrounding immigration enforcement, highlighting the stark divide between state and federal approaches to this contentious issue.