The incoming Trump administration's immigration enforcement plans signal a dramatic shift from current policies under Border Czar Tom Homan's leadership.
According to Newsmax, Homan, who will serve as border czar under President-elect Donald Trump, has outlined comprehensive measures, including mass deportations, workplace raids, and efforts to close the Darien Gap migration route.
The sweeping immigration enforcement strategy represents a significant departure from the Biden administration's approach, focusing heavily on national security concerns and human trafficking prevention.
Homan, who previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, emphasized the critical role of workplace enforcement raids in identifying and disrupting forced labor operations run by cartels.
The administration's plan to shut down the Darien Gap, a dangerous 70-mile jungle stretch in Panama, stands as a cornerstone of the new immigration strategy.
Despite Panama's reported 42% reduction in crossings over the past year, Homan maintains that additional measures are necessary to prevent illegal migration through this treacherous route.
Homan outlined the administration's position on the Darien Gap initiative, stating:
Shutting down the Darien Gap is going to protect our national security. It's going to save thousands of lives.
The proposed enforcement strategy includes the expansion of ICE's 287(g) program, allowing increased participation from local law enforcement in immigration operations. This expansion aims to create a more comprehensive network of enforcement capabilities across jurisdictions.
While specific funding details remain unclear, Homan suggested that an initial investment of $86 billion would provide a foundation for implementing these extensive measures. The administration plans to establish weekly press briefings and a public hotline for reporting suspected criminal activity by undocumented immigrants.
The workplace raid strategy has drawn both support and criticism from various stakeholders. Shelter director Jose Maria Garcia expressed skepticism about the deterrent effect: "He won't stop the migrants coming. He won't deter them."
The implementation plan includes provisions for collateral arrests during workplace raids, potentially affecting undocumented immigrants not initially targeted but encountered during operations.
The newly announced strategy reflects a direct response to what Homan identifies as voter priorities regarding immigration enforcement. The former ICE director's approach emphasizes national security concerns over traditional immigration control measures, marking a significant shift in federal enforcement priorities.
Tom Homan, set to lead border enforcement under the incoming Trump administration, has presented a comprehensive strategy focusing on workplace raids, mass deportations, and the closure of key migration routes, including the Darien Gap. The plan, estimated to require at least $86 billion in initial funding, aims to address national security concerns and combat human trafficking through enhanced enforcement measures and coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
