After the election victory of Donald Trump, the United States’ border policy has been receiving significant attention. The newly appointed hardline border official by the president-elect, Tom Homan, stated on Monday (November 11) that the new administration will increase workplace raids as part of a broader effort to combat illegal immigration.
President-elect Trump announced on Sunday night that former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homan, will be responsible for border affairs in the new government, including the task of “deporting all illegal foreign nationals to their home countries.”
Speaking on the “Fox & Friends” program on Monday, Homan expressed his honor in assuming this role and emphasized his readiness to take all measures to control the border crisis. He mentioned that workplace raids would address issues related to labor and sex trafficking.
Homan pointed out, “Where do we find the most victims of sex trafficking and forced labor trafficking? In workplaces.”
According to the “Congressional Hill Report,” immigrant advocates argue that this approach is unlikely to help combat human trafficking. Heidi Altman, Federal Advocacy Director at the National Immigration Law Center, criticized Homan for conflating traffickers and the trafficked individuals.
Altman condemned Homan for using public safety rhetoric as a defense for his actions targeting undocumented immigrants.
In his interview on “Fox & Friends” on Monday, Homan stated that he has been criticizing the government’s actions regarding the border for years.
“I have been calling for what needs to be done to address this issue. So when the president asked me, ‘Are you willing to come back and address this problem?’ Of course, I was. If I didn’t, I would be a hypocrite. I am honored that the president has allowed me to come back and help address this national security crisis, so I am looking forward to it,” he said.
Homan emphasized that a tough border stance means giving priority to illegal immigrants who pose a threat to public or national security, especially mentioning drug cartels and human trafficking.
Since last Friday (November 8), Homan has received numerous calls, texts, and emails due to rumors that he would return to the border department. Many calls are from ICE special agents who are excited about his return to work.
“But most importantly, thousands of retired special agents and veterans have called, hoping to join in voluntarily to help the president ensure border security and carry out deportation operations,” Homan added.
Despite receiving death threats, Homan remains determined not to yield to pressure.
“This is what we have to deal with. They can’t shut me up. They can’t make me disappear. This has been America’s biggest vulnerability in national security since 9/11. We must address it,” he said.
Homan also sent a clear message to Democratic governors opposing large-scale deportation operations.
“If they are not willing to help, then step aside quickly because ICE will be doing their job,” Homan stated during an interview with Fox Digital News last Friday.