There’s a new sheriff in town—or rather, an incoming Border Czar, Tom Homan. Homan has made it clear that he’s not here to mess around when it comes to illegal immigration. Speaking directly to the dedicated men and women of the Border Patrol, he laid down a firm law: the priority will be getting rid of criminal illegal immigrants. As Homan put it, America wants to live in a safe country, and with crime knocking on our doors, it’s high time to take action.
In Lancaster, California, where Homan delivered his message, the stakes are particularly high. Each month, thousands of illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds slip through the cracks of the justice system. Believe it or not, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) discovered around 300,000 criminal aliens cycle through the system each year. Meanwhile, local jails are bustling with their share of undocumented residents, and sheriffs are frustrated about being constrained by sanctuary laws that don’t allow them to make calls to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
One hair-raising example came into play with the case of Carlos Carranza, an illegal immigrant and known gang member. Local law enforcement ignored numerous ICE detainers, and what happened next was tragic: Carranza was released and went on to stab and kill a woman named Bambi Larson. It’s chilling cases like these that have many asking if sanctuary laws are protecting the right people—or the wrong ones.
Now, California isn’t sitting idle in this debate. The state’s attorney general has voiced disagreement, claiming that cooperation with immigration enforcement would go against the law. The back-and-forth of legal jargon doesn’t necessarily reassure those feeling unsafe in their communities. After all, there’s a pervasive feeling that admitting to harboring individuals with violent backgrounds, regardless of their immigration status, should not be a matter of legal interpretation. Homan warned against knowingly concealing illegal immigrants, waving a firm finger at any would-be accomplices.
The solutions to this pressing issue are plenty, and hopefully, Homan plans to tackle them head-on. Implementing immigration judges in jails and coordinating with ICE agents could streamline the process of deporting individuals who are eligible. This isn’t just about maintaining laws; it’s about ensuring the safety of American citizens. With an estimated 1.4 million illegal immigrants in the country, action is not just encouraged; it’s imperative.
In the heart of all this is a simmering resentment from American citizens who feel they are living in dangerous territory. As Americans watched the past administration take its stance on border security, they’ve increasingly polled in support of tougher measures to combat illegal immigration. While Homan takes charge, the hope is clear: returning to law enforcement will bring a semblance of order and rule of law back to the country.
In an era where the balance between safety and compassion feels dizzyingly precarious, America must remember its priorities. The Homan doctrine is bound to change the landscape of immigration enforcement. For all the sanctuary cities and supportive politicians, a firm message is being sent: don’t test the resolve of a nation keen on safeguarding its citizens. In the long run, only time will tell how these measures will take shape but—goodness gracious—here’s hoping it leads to a safer America for everyone.