A heated exchange between former ICE director Tom Homan and "The View" co-host Ana Navarro brings immigration policy debates back into the spotlight as Trump prepares for his second term.
According to Fox News, President-elect Trump's newly appointed "border czar," Tom Homan, strongly refuted claims made on ABC's "The View" that U.S. citizens would face deportation under Trump's mass deportation plan.
The controversy erupted after "The View" co-host Ana Navarro suggested that Trump's deportation strategy would target not just criminals but also U.S. citizens who are part of mixed-status households. Navarro argued that there weren't enough criminal aliens to justify mass deportations, implying that the policy would extend beyond its stated targets.
Homan appeared on Sean Hannity's show to address these concerns directly and outline the administration's actual plans. He emphasized that the focus would be primarily on public safety and national security threats, specifically mentioning the 1.5 million convicted criminal aliens currently in the country with final removal orders.
The incoming border czar detailed plans to strengthen ICE's operational capabilities, particularly in sanctuary cities where local authorities have been resistant to federal immigration enforcement efforts. He stressed that the new administration would remove restrictions placed on ICE during the Biden presidency.
Homan expressed particular frustration with sanctuary state governors who have indicated they would obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts. He made it clear that such resistance would not deter ICE from carrying out its duties under the new administration.
According to recent ICE reports, approximately 425,000 illegal immigrants with criminal convictions are currently at large in the United States. This figure represents a significant focus area for the incoming administration's enforcement strategy.
Homan pointed to concerning trends under the current administration, citing a 74% decrease in criminal alien removals compared to Trump's previous term. This statistic, he argued, demonstrates the need for more aggressive enforcement measures.
The incoming border czar's background adds credibility to his statements, as he previously served as a New York state police officer and Border Patrol agent. His experience includes leading ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations during the Obama administration, where he received recognition for his work.
Homan directly addressed "The View" host's concerns with the following statement:
The View is such an island of misfit toys. They don't know what the hell they are talking about.
Regarding ICE's approach to sanctuary cities, Homan declared:
And let me say this back to ‘The View’ and Joe Biden. They promised, this administration promised they’re going to concentrate on the criminal aliens. That was their priority. Secretary Mayorkas said that. I looked at the stats today, the removal of criminal aliens is down 74% from President Trump. We have more criminals here than we ever had. So we’ve got plenty of targets out there. And the men and women of this new administration are going to go look for them. They’re going to look for them in sanctuary cities.
Tom Homan's appointment as border czar signals President-elect Trump's commitment to implementing stringent immigration enforcement policies in his upcoming term. The former ICE director has outlined specific plans targeting criminal aliens and gang members while firmly rejecting claims about the deportation of U.S. citizens.
This development comes as the incoming administration prepares to launch what Trump has described as a "historic" mass deportation campaign, with Homan playing a central role in its implementation. The focus will remain on individuals with criminal records and final removal orders, with particular emphasis on enhancing enforcement activities in sanctuary cities.
