Tom Homan, recently appointed US border czar, has pledged to eliminate criminal migrants from the United States.
According to the New York Post, He also noted a significant drop in daily border encounters since taking on his role.
Tom Homan, appointed by President Donald Trump, expressed his commitment on February 17, 2025, stating an ambitious goal to address security at the U.S. borders. Under his oversight, drastic changes have been felt, with Border Patrol figures showing a reduction from over 11,000 daily encounters during the previous administration to a mere 229 in the past 24 hours.
Law enforcement has ramped up their efforts significantly since the beginning of President Trump's second term. The initial 18 days have seen a 98% increase in detentions of migrants who hold a criminal record and a staggering 105% rise in arrests of suspected gang members.
This operational intensity appears to be a direct response to President Trump’s promises regarding border security. Homan commented, “President Trump promised a secure border and he is delivering.”
Tom Homan also illuminated some troubling statistics during his news appearances: there are currently close to 600,000 undocumented migrants in the U.S. with criminal convictions.
Tom Homan emphasized his position on security and his operational targets by saying, "At last count, we had almost 600,000 illegal aliens in the United States with a criminal conviction. I won’t be happy until we eradicate every one of those."
The policy shifts have not only affected detention rates but have also influenced local services. The Jewish Family Service of San Diego has paused its SDRRN Migrant Shelter Services due to these changes, lacking new asylum seekers at their facilities since the discontinuation of the CBP One phone app.
An official from the Jewish Family Service explained how the recent federal policy amendments have compelled them to adapt and focus on other critical needs within the community: "With migrants no longer able to use the CBP One application, the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) Migrant Shelter Services, operated by JFS, has not received new asylum-seeking families and individuals released from short term federal custody into our care."
The organization is now shifting its resources to providing pro bono legal services and supporting San Diegans in need of social services and immigration legal assistance.
Reflecting on his extensive experience, Homan noted, "I started as a Border Patrol Agent in 1984 and I don’t remember the numbers ever being that low."
The Jewish Family Service has confirmed a suspension of its shelter services, citing recent federal changes: “Due to these changes in federal funding and policy, the SDRRN Migrant Shelter Services will be paused until there is a better understanding of future community needs.” Moreover, local social services are encountering an increase in demand for legal aid and support, showing the broader impact of federal policies on community resources.
In closing, Tom Homan’s campaign to remove criminal entities from the U.S. is well underway, starkly indicated by the decline in border encounters and increased arrests. Meanwhile, services in communities like San Diego are pivoting to meet the evolving needs under the new federal guidelines, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of national immigration policies.
