President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Tom Homan as his “border czar” signals a renewed focus on the administration’s tough immigration policies. Unlike many of Trump’s picks, Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been active in the media, participating in over 20 interviews to outline the forthcoming administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, particularly mass deportations.
Homan, who will oversee Trump’s signature campaign promise without the need for Senate confirmation, has used his media appearances to provide more clarity on how deportation efforts could unfold. While full details are still forthcoming, his interviews have provided a glimpse into potential strategies and challenges.
Role of the Military in Deportations
One of the key points raised by Homan is the potential involvement of the U.S. military in deportation efforts. During a November appearance on SiriusXM’s The David Webb Show, Homan suggested that the military could support deportations by assisting with tasks that do not require immigration authority. Homan emphasized that the military’s involvement could help relieve law enforcement officers of administrative duties, allowing them to focus on direct enforcement.
Funding for Mass Deportation Efforts
The cost of the mass deportation plan remains a significant question. While Homan does not control the budget, he stated that President Trump is committed to providing the financial resources necessary for the operation. On Fox Business, Homan cited a minimum cost of $86 billion for the deportation plan and indicated that Congress would need to approve additional funding.
Challenges from Local Authorities
Local cooperation is another challenge Homan anticipates as Trump’s administration works to implement its immigration policies. Several Democratic leaders have already expressed opposition to cooperating with federal immigration authorities, including ICE. In response, Homan has suggested that the administration will increase deportation efforts in areas that resist, even threatening prosecution for those who obstruct the enforcement process.
As Trump’s administration takes shape, Homan’s media presence underscores the urgency and scale of the president-elect’s plans to reshape immigration enforcement in the U.S.
