The Trump administration is ramping up its scrutiny of sanctuary cities.
According to Breitbart, leaders of sanctuary cities harboring illegal immigrants may soon face severe repercussions, including defunding and legal action.
Tom Homan, appointed as the border czar by President Donald Trump, hinted at forthcoming significant measures against these cities. At a recent press conference, Homan's comments suggested a tightening noose around the policies that protect illegal immigrants from deportation.
The administration's aggressive stance was backed by an executive order from President Trump, aimed at cutting off federal funds to sanctuary cities. This move underscores the administration's commitment to stringent immigration enforcement.
During his address, Homan emphasized the essential duty of local leaders to prioritize the safety of their communities. He stated that part of this duty involves cooperating with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to address threats to public safety and national security.
"Local officials and judges who obstruct ICE operations will face prosecution," Homan declared, extending this warning to any local authority that shelters illegal immigrants knowingly. He expressed disbelief that any elected official or judge could overlook the importance of enforcing immigration laws.
This stance was made clear as Homan revealed enforcement actions already taking place, including 380 arrests by ICE in the Boston area in March. This serves as a direct challenge to sanctuary cities, showcasing the administration's readiness to enforce existing immigration laws aggressively.
"Any public official — your mayor, city councilman, or governor — their number one responsibility is the protection of the communities," Homan explained. He criticized those who instead choose to defy federal law by establishing or upholding sanctuary policies.
Homan reiterated his stand in stark terms, stating that no elected official should be hindering the work of ICE. His message underscored the seriousness with which the Trump administration views the non-compliance of sanctuary cities.
Here is a direct expression of his stance:
"But I said from day one. You can sit aside and watch again. You can argue against us... protest all you want, but when you cross that line — I’ve said this one thousand times — when you cross that line to impediment or knowingly harboring or concealing an illegal alien migrant, you will be prosecuted — judge or not."
Homan's determination to bring about compliance was palpable throughout his address. "Wait ‘til you see what’s coming," he stated with a smile, a remark that underscores potential upcoming enforcement actions that could reshape sanctuary city policies.
He also spoke about the inconceivability of any leader choosing not to support the mission of ICE. His rhetoric suggested a polarized view of the roles local officials play in national security and public safety.
The Trump administration, with Homan at the forefront, is geared up for a more confrontational stance against sanctuary cities. The measures hinted at could mark a significant shift in how federal immigration laws are enforced in these regions. This could potentially lead to drastic changes in the operation of sanctuary cities and the lives of the immigrants residing in them.
