The appointment of Tom Homan as President-elect Donald Trump’s “border czar” has sent a clear message to Illinois leaders who oppose the administration’s plans for massive deportation efforts. Speaking at a conference in Phoenix over the weekend, Homan promised that Trump and immigration enforcement agencies will hit the ground running and that leaders like Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson will have to either cooperate or face consequences.
Homan, known for his blunt and no-nonsense approach, made it clear that deporting undocumented immigrants is the “number one responsibility” of those concerned about safety. He also promised that the administration will not be deterred by so-called “Sanctuary City” laws, and will do whatever it takes to enforce immigration laws.
“The mayor of Chicago, not a real bright guy, says Tom Homan isn’t welcome in Chicago. Well guess where Tom Homan’s going to be day one? Chicago, Illinois. You don’t want me to be there? Come get me,” he said.
These strong words from Homan are just the latest in a series of comments he has made about targeting Chicago and other areas where law enforcement is prohibited from partnering with ICE and other agencies on immigration enforcement actions. However, Governor Pritzker has previously shown a willingness to work with Homan and promised to do whatever is necessary to remove violent criminals from the community.
“Violent criminals who are undocumented and convicted of violent crimes should be deported,” Pritzker stated.
But where Pritzker draws the line is on the sweeping efforts to deport undocumented immigrants. He pushed back against the Trump administration’s idea to use National Guard units from other states to assist in these actions, stating that it goes against the values of America.
“I do not believe that we should be pitting one state’s National Guard against another state,” he said. “I think that’s un-American.”
Under Chicago’s Sanctuary City policy, authorities are not allowed to ask individuals about their immigration status or disclose that information to authorities. City services are also not denied based on immigration status. Furthermore, Chicago police are prohibited from working with ICE to deport undocumented individuals.
Pritzker has taken steps to protect undocumented individuals in the state, signing a series of bills that prevent police departments from entering into agreements with ICE, as well as preventing state agencies from entering into contracts to build or operate private detention centers for immigration enforcement actions.
While the Biden administration has focused its deportation efforts on those deemed public safety threats, the Trump administration has made it clear that they will pursue deportation actions against any undocumented individual in the U.S. Homan has previously stated that “no one would be off the table” in connection with these efforts.
According to the BBC, immigration authorities deported over 271,000 individuals in the last fiscal year, the largest number in the last decade. Department of Homeland Security officials estimate that there are approximately 11 million undocumented individuals in the country, with nearly 80% of them having been in the country for more than a decade, according to data analysis cited by the BBC.
While the issue of immigration is a complex and sensitive one, it is clear that the new administration is determined to enforce immigration laws and remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety. With Tom Homan as the border czar, it is clear that the Trump administration will not back down from their promises and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
As the country prepares for a new administration, it is important for leaders at all levels to work together and find solutions that benefit all Americans. The safety and security of our nation should be a top priority, and it is encouraging to see a strong and determined leader like Tom Homan at the forefront of these efforts. Let us hope that through cooperation and determination, we can find a balance that ensures both the protection of our country and the protection of individual rights.
