In recent discussions about immigration, one name keeps coming to the forefront: Tom Homan. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to roll out a new strategy for managing the southern border, Homan, the incoming border czar, has made it clear he is ready to get to work—without playing politeness games. His mission? To prioritize public safety and tackle illegal immigration with a fistful of determination, especially when it comes to individuals who pose a criminal threat.
Homan’s approach has certainly ruffled the feathers of some liberal mayors and governors who seem more interested in virtue signaling than in actual solutions. While they clamor to be seen as champions of immigrants, Homan has issued a straightforward message: if they won’t help clean up the mess, he’s more than capable of doing it himself. It’s a classic case of not standing for nonsense, and who can blame him? After all, the safety of communities should be the top priority for any elected official.
Recent headlines have illustrated exactly why Homan’s position is so crucial. One alarming case involves a Venezuelan immigrant who police have arrested six times, with charges including robbery. The incident, where this person allegedly stole a purse belonging to a prosecutor and threatened her, shows just how desperate the situation has become. With criminals slipping through the cracks of the system, Homan’s critics might want to consider why their lenient policies are allowing individuals like this to roam free.
In cities like New York, where sanctuary city policies exist, law enforcement has expressed frustration over having no collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As it stands, if a crime is committed by someone in the country illegally, local agencies can’t—or won’t—report it. This lack of accountability has left many in law enforcement wondering how to ensure the safety of their neighborhoods. With discussions swirling about the mounting crime and security issues, even the city’s police commissioner has admitted to being in the dark about migrant crime levels.
The agenda may seem heavy on tough love, but many Americans are behind Homan’s vision. Public opinion shows that a hefty portion of the population wants illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal records, to be deported. There’s a sense that while compassion towards non-violent migrants is essential, it shouldn’t come at the expense of community safety. After all, keeping dangerous individuals in neighborhoods isn’t exactly the compassionate choice it’s made out to be.
As the Biden administration’s record on handling immigration continues to come under fire, Homan’s mission will not be an easy one. With millions of undocumented immigrants—including over 200,000 with criminal records—roaming the country, the task ahead is monumental. Still, he possesses the backing of many who believe that the time for talk is over; it’s time to take action. The question remains: will Homan be able to navigate this delicate situation without losing sight of the ultimate goal—ensuring the safety of American citizens? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: he’s not here to play games.