Border Security Measures Set to Expand Amid Rising Deportation Numbers

In a stark warning to the nation, Border Czar Tom Homan has announced that daily deportation numbers are expected to rise significantly in the upcoming weeks. This announcement coincides with the President Trump administration’s plans to broaden its immigration enforcement operations.

Current Focus on Violent Offenders

During a recent segment on ABC News’ “This Week,” hosted by Martha Raddatz, Homan detailed the administration’s current strategy of primarily targeting violent illegal aliens. However, he indicated that as enforcement operations expand, the demographics of those targeted will shift. “You’re going to see the numbers steadily increase, the number of arrests nationwide as we open up the aperture,” Homan stated, emphasizing that the current focus is on public safety and national security threats.

According to Homan, this approach is merely the beginning. “Right now, it’s concentrating on public safety threats, national security threats. That’s a smaller population. So we’re going to do this on a priority basis,” he affirmed, reiterating President Trump’s commitment to intensified immigration enforcement.

Future Targeting of Illegal Residents

During the ABC interview, Raddatz posed a critical question regarding the broader target of enforcement efforts, citing estimates that suggest there could be 700,000 to over a million individuals with past convictions or arrests in the U.S. “So after you do that, then you go after everybody who is there illegally?” she asked.

Homan’s response was unambiguous. “If you’re in the country illegally, you’re on the table because it’s not OK to, you know, violate the laws of this country,” he articulated. He noted that entering the U.S. illegally constitutes a violation of Title Eight, United States Code 1325, which makes it a crime to do so. “So if you’re in a country illegally, you got a problem. And that’s why I’m hoping those who are in the country illegally, who have not been ordered removed by the federal judge, should leave,” he added.

Sanctuary Cities and Their Impact

Homan’s statements come in the wake of a warning issued to sanctuary cities across the U.S. about their policies regarding undocumented individuals. These cities typically refrain from notifying federal authorities about illegal aliens when they are arrested, resulting in the release of those individuals back into local communities.

“Sanctuary cities have created an environment that fosters illegal immigration. Their policies will not prevent deportations; rather, they will endanger communities, federal agents, and even the illegal aliens themselves,” Homan stressed during a separate appearance on “Fox & Friends.”

He urged local officials in sanctuary cities to cooperate with federal efforts. “Work with us, because you’ve forced us into the community,” he said, highlighting the complexities associated with operations in areas that shelter undocumented individuals.

Potential Consequences of Expanded Operations

The potential for broader enforcement raises questions about the implications for the undocumented population at large. Homan indicated that when federal agents pursue those who pose a danger to society, they may inadvertently encounter others who do not have a criminal record but are still in the country illegally. “We’ll find the bad guy, but when we find him, he’s going to be with others, others that may not be a criminal priority. But guess what? If they’re in the United States illegally, they’re going to be arrested, too,” Homan cautioned.

Homan’s remarks underpin a significant shift in the administration’s stance on border security. He argued that a secure border is essential for protecting vulnerable populations. “I want to save lives. A secure border saves lives,” he asserted. Additionally, he pointed out dire statistics regarding human trafficking and fatalities associated with illegal border crossings, stating, “Under President Biden, we’ve had a record number of people die crossing that border [and a] 600% increase in sex trafficking.”

On-The-Ground Support for Immigration Enforcement

Homan continues to be active in regions significantly impacted by immigration issues. Recently, Fox News confirmed his presence in Chicago alongside acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove to observe and support immigration enforcement processes in the city.

Conclusion: The Future of Immigration Enforcement

As the conversation surrounding immigration enforcement heats up, the implications of Homan’s warnings signal a critical juncture in U.S. border policy. With heightened deportation numbers on the horizon, the administration’s focus on expanding operations could reshape the landscape of illegal immigration within the United States. The effectiveness and societal impact of these measures remain to be seen, as officials navigate the contentious debate over border security, public safety, and human rights.

Report contributed by Fox News’ Matthew Finn.