On November 27, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas, Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump's border czar, emphasized the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws, particularly targeting sanctuary cities that obstruct federal deportation efforts. Homan stated that a mass deportation initiative would be implemented in response to what he termed a crisis of illegal immigration at the southern border.
Homan warned local leaders against interfering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, asserting that harboring illegal immigrants is a felony. His remarks come as some city leaders, including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, have pledged to protect migrants from deportation efforts, likening their stance to the historical Tiananmen Square protests.
Johnston indicated that local residents would mobilize to support migrants, stating, “You do not want to mess with them.” Homan suggested that if sanctuary cities do not comply, the administration may resort to legal action and the withdrawal of federal funding, alongside deploying additional ICE officers to these areas.
Statistics reveal that among the estimated 7.8 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., approximately 662,586 have criminal records. The head of ICE in New York City noted the extensive challenge of deporting the city's migrant criminals, indicating that it would take an extensive period to address the issue.