Tom Homan, set to take on the role of “border czar” under President Donald Trump’s administration, has made bold promises to slash federal funding to states that refuse to cooperate with the government’s plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Homan, who previously served as the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), vowed to use federal funding as leverage against states that challenge the administration’s immigration policies.
In a statement to Fox News, Homan emphasized the need for strict enforcement of immigration laws, criticizing the Biden administration’s approach. He claimed that the current government had “turned the world upside down” when it came to dealing with immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border. Under Trump’s administration, Homan’s role will be central in implementing aggressive policies aimed at removing undocumented migrants. His comments come as several states, including California, Illinois, New Mexico, and Arizona, have voiced opposition to the Trump administration’s deportation strategy. These states, primarily led by Democratic governors, are expected to fight back with legal challenges in what could lead to prolonged court battles.
State Resistance to Mass Deportations by Trump and Legal Challenges Loom
Several states and local governments have vowed to resist Trump’s deportation policies, which include mass expulsions of undocumented immigrants. California, Arizona, and New Mexico — all located along the U.S.-Mexico border — have explicitly stated that they will not participate in facilitating deportations. These states argue that such actions would be detrimental to their local economies, communities, and public services.
One of the most notable developments in this resistance was Los Angeles’ city council’s decision to pass a “sanctuary city” ordinance last week. This ordinance prohibits the use of local resources to assist federal immigration authorities in carrying out deportations. As these states and cities dig in their heels, the legal battles are expected to intensify. Trump’s plan to use military resources for deportations could further escalate tensions, creating a potential standoff between federal and state authorities. Experts predict that such a strategy could lead to protracted legal proceedings, with state governments seeking to assert their rights in challenging federal authority over immigration matters.
Homan’s Call for “Self-Deportation” and the Impact on Immigrants
In addition to threatening cuts to federal funding for non-compliant states, Tom Homan urged undocumented immigrants to “self-deport” to avoid the severe consequences of detention and deportation. He explained that individuals who voluntarily leave the U.S. would face fewer long-term legal challenges, including the risk of being barred from re-entering the country for up to 20 years. According to Homan, this option would be less harmful for families, especially for those with U.S. citizen children, who might otherwise face permanent separation due to deportation orders.
Homan’s stance on deportation is controversial, especially in the context of family separations. He mentioned that deportees could choose whether to leave their children behind in the U.S. or take them with them, a choice that has been heavily criticized by immigration advocates. These advocates argue that such decisions will create further emotional distress and hardship for immigrant families. Despite these concerns, Homan maintains that voluntary departure is the best option for those at risk of deportation, as it allows them to avoid the harsher penalties associated with formal removal.
The Impact of Declining Border Crossings on Deportation Plans
The backdrop to these contentious debates is the current state of border crossings, which have significantly decreased under the Biden administration. According to preliminary data obtained by CBS, U.S. Border Patrol is on track to record fewer than 50,000 apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border in November — a notable drop compared to the record high of 302,000 crossings in December 2023. This decrease in detentions marks the lowest level since Joe Biden took office, and since the summer of 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions led to a sharp decline in border activity.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attributes the decrease in border crossings to several factors, including new strategies that allow for faster removal of migrants and increased efforts to disrupt smuggling networks. He also highlighted the Biden administration’s focus on creating legal pathways for immigration while still enforcing laws. However, while the reduction in border apprehensions might make it easier for the Trump administration to focus on deportations, experts warn that logistical and financial challenges could hinder the execution of mass deportation plans. As legal challenges from sanctuary states and cities mount, the Trump administration may face significant obstacles in carrying out its immigration agenda.
