Support for Trump’s Immigration Team: ICE Association’s Endorsement
FIRST ON FOX: A newly formed law enforcement association composed of employees from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is throwing its weight behind President-elect Donald Trump’s selections to spearhead his immigration agenda. The association emphasizes that its members, consisting primarily of ICE agents and officers, are “fired up” and ready to spearhead a comprehensive mass deportation strategy.
Backing Trump’s Choices for Immigration Leadership
In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, the Executive Board of the National ICE Officers Association expressed its “strong support” for the appointment of former acting ICE Director Thomas Homan as the nation’s border czar, along with the nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The association’s statement highlighted Homan’s credentials, asserting, “Former Director Homan is one of us and knows exactly what it takes to do the job and make our communities safe.”
A New Advocacy Group for ICE Employees
The National ICE Officers Association is a relatively new entity representing those working within ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) branch. Formed this year, the group is actively pursuing the status of the exclusive union for ICE personnel, aiming to consolidate representation for its members.
Alongside Homan, the group has also lauded the selection of Kristi Noem for the DHS position. The association praised her as “one of America’s toughest governors” who has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the safety of her constituents. “We have complete and total confidence that Gov. Noem will bring about the changes we desperately need to do our jobs and protect the American people,” the statement read. The enthusiasm from the ICE ERO members was palpable, reiterating, “The men and women of ICE ERO are fired up and ready to go get to work.”
Focus on Increased Deportations
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, ICE is positioned to become a focal point in the broader effort to escalate deportations of undocumented immigrants across the United States. The transition team is reported to be adopting a multi-faceted approach, including a planned significant expansion of detention facilities. This expansion aims to enhance ICE’s operational capacity by increasing available beds and expanding detention centers in proximity to major metropolitan areas.
Opposition from Democratic Leaders
This ambitious initiative has already sparked strong opposition from various Democratic officials across several states. Governors from Illinois, Arizona, and Massachusetts have publicly stated their unwillingness to support the administration’s plans for increased deportations. Each has voiced concerns regarding the potential impacts on their communities.
In contrast, several Republican-led states have come forward in support of Trump’s plans. Texas, in particular, has offered over 1,400 acres of land to accommodate mass deportation operations near the southern border, reflecting a regional divergence in response to federal immigration policies.
Awaiting Key ICE Leadership Announcement
With attention focused on who President-elect Trump will appoint to lead ICE, reports suggest that a decision is forthcoming. The transition team is keen on selecting a leader with a solid background in law enforcement to effectively guide the agency through the anticipated challenges and opportunities related to immigration enforcement.
The National ICE Officers Association’s endorsement of Homan and Noem signals a broader alignment among ICE personnel with the aggressive immigration policies proposed by the incoming administration. As the nation anticipates these developments, the dynamics of immigration enforcement are poised to shift significantly, promising an unprecedented era of policy changes and enforcement actions as the new administration prepares to take the helm.
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