Tom Homan, often dubbed the "border czar," has announced a stepped-up campaign to apprehend undocumented immigrants throughout the United States. He stressed that these operations will target all individuals residing in the country without legal status, regardless of their criminal history.
Pressure on Congress and Call for Increased Funding
Recently, Homan urged the U.S. Congress to allocate a larger budget to enhance the operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This funding would be used to expand detention centers, bolster street-level enforcement, and finance additional deportation flights. He criticized certain lawmakers for their stance on illegal immigration, accusing many of being silent on the issue during the Biden Administration.
In a statement on X, Homan defended the stringent immigration policies championed by Donald Trump. He claimed that under the Biden administration, over 500,000 minors were separated from their families and placed into the hands of criminal networks. "They failed to track nearly 300,000 cases. While many of these children are now safe, others have become victims of forced labor and sex trafficking. ICE has already found some in forced labor. The previous administration neither located nor rescued them, but we will. What the Biden administration did was far worse than anything any previous administration has done," he declared.
Recent ICE Statistics
This Tuesday, ICE released a statement on X providing recent statistical data. They reported a staggering 627% increase in arrests of undocumented immigrants last month. They also highlighted that Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, terminated the policy allowing foreigners to travel illegally across the U.S. without identification. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would enforce the Alien Registration Act.
Moreover, it was noted that border crossings have reached "the lowest levels in 15 years," with only 200 interceptions in a single day and 8,326 immigrants apprehended at the southern border in February.
Campaign to Encourage Self-Deportation
Last week, Noem launched a campaign to reinforce immigration law enforcement and promote the self-deportation of illegal immigrants. She indicated that the Trump administration will utilize all legal resources available to ensure the departure of foreigners without legal status. The strict enforcement of the Immigration and Nationality Act provisions includes penalties for those who do not voluntarily leave the country, fail to register with federal authorities, do not provide their fingerprints, or neglect to report changes of address to immigration officials. Violations of these regulations could result in hefty fines, imprisonment, or both.
Key Questions About ICE Operations and Immigration Policies
What is the primary goal of the increased ICE operations?
The main objective is to apprehend undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S. without legal status, irrespective of their criminal background.
How has the Biden administration been criticized regarding immigration policies?
The Biden administration has been criticized for allegedly separating over 500,000 minors from their families and not adequately tracking these cases, leading to some children falling victim to forced labor and trafficking.
What changes have been made regarding border crossings and identification policies?
Secretary Kristi Noem ended the policy allowing illegal travel without identification, and border crossings have reportedly hit a 15-year low.