City Councilwoman Calls Out Border Czar Homan Over Immigration Policies

A heated exchange has erupted between Boston City Councilwoman Sharon Durkan and Border Czar Tom Homan regarding immigration enforcement policies, particularly in light of recent remarks made by Homan at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Durkan took to social media to critique Homan’s claims and challenge his authority in the discussion surrounding immigration enforcement in Boston.

Context of the Conflict

During the CPAC event, Homan condemned Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox for his staunch support of the city’s sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Homan specifically took aim at the fact that the Boston police department had not honored certain Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers, which are requests to hold individuals for potential deportation.

“You said you doubled down on not helping the law enforcement officers of ICE. I’m coming to Boston, and I’m bringing hell with me,” Homan said, criticizing the city’s handling of individuals with criminal records who are also undocumented.

Durkan’s Response

In response to Homan’s remarks, Durkan didn’t hold back. She mocked Homan’s previous experience as a police officer in the small village of West Carthage, New York, effectively questioning his qualifications to lecture a major city on public safety.

“Laughable that someone who spent their career policing a town smaller than a Fenway Park crowd thinks they can lecture Boston on public safety,” her post read. “Commissioner Michael Cox serves with distinction and earns trust with integrity,” she added, firmly supporting her colleague’s actions.

The Tension Over Local Policies

The tension between Homan and Cox stems from Massachusetts law, which restricts local police from enforcing federal immigration detainers. In a recent interview, Cox reiterated this position, stating that Boston does not enforce such detainers as per state regulation.

“We just don’t do that,” Cox explained during an interview on WCVB’s “On the Record” show. “We don’t enforce civil detainers regarding federal immigration law. It’s defined here in the state, and that’s just how it works.”

Homan’s Record and ICE Actions

Homan, who has served in various roles within ICE during both the Obama administration and the Trump administration, has a long history of involvement in immigration enforcement. His recent comments have brought scrutiny to Boston’s sanctuary policies, particularly concerning public safety and the release of individuals with criminal backgrounds. Homan’s highlight of nine child rapists released back into the community has sparked fear and controversy, adding urgency to his claims.

In recent weeks, ICE’s Boston field office has made several arrests of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, including alleged members of the violent MS-13 gang and individuals charged with horrific crimes. For instance, earlier this month, ICE apprehended a Guatemalan national facing multiple counts of child rape.

Community Response and Implications

The conflict between Homan and Boston officials underscores the broader national debate over immigration policies and public safety. Critics of sanctuary cities argue that such policies enable dangerous individuals to remain in communities, while supporters believe they protect vulnerable populations from undue federal enforcement.

As this discourse evolves, local leaders like Durkan and Cox will continue to advocate for their city’s stance against federal policies they believe compromise community safety and equity. With Homan’s provocative statements gaining traction, it remains to be seen how this battle over immigration enforcement will shape public opinion in Boston and beyond.

Fox News Digital reached out to Durkan for further comment on the matter, though a response had not been received at the time of publication.