Media Presses Homan On Deportation Plans

In a recent interview with CBS News’s Margaret Brennan, Tom Homan, President-elect Trump’s newly appointed border czar, addressed questions regarding the Trump administration’s plans for mass deportations. Brennan pressed Homan about the specifics of Trump’s strategy, especially concerning how many deportations would be considered a success under the new administration.

Homan, the former head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), quickly redirected the conversation to the current Biden administration’s record, particularly its recent efforts to limit the number of asylum seekers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. He pointed out that, while Biden’s administration touts its deportation figures, a large portion of those deportations are simply individuals moved back across the border by Border Patrol—not deported from within the United States. In Homan’s view, Biden’s administration is “playing a numbers game,” focusing more on optics than real enforcement.

When Brennan noted that the Biden administration’s deportation numbers are still higher than during Trump’s first term, Homan countered by explaining that the lower numbers of deportations during Trump’s tenure were due to a sharp drop in illegal crossings, a direct result of the tough border policies that Trump put in place. In Homan’s eyes, these policies succeeded in reducing the flow of illegal immigrants, meaning there were fewer individuals to process for deportation.

Brennan continued pressing Homan on what specific deportation goals Trump would set for his administration, especially given the logistical challenges involved. Homan clarified that the Trump administration’s priority would be public safety, specifically targeting criminals, gang members, and individuals who pose a national security threat. Homan also stressed that the Trump administration would not hesitate to deport individuals to third countries if the original countries of origin refused to take them back, a strategy Trump had successfully implemented with countries like Mexico and El Salvador.

On the question of sanctuary cities, Homan was adamant that these policies only put American communities at greater risk. He also blamed the lack of interior enforcement on the ineptitude of current leadership, particularly Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

While Trump’s plans remain high-level, Homan emphasized that the safety of American citizens would be the top priority, particularly in light of the increasing violence tied to gangs and criminal organizations like those from Venezuela. He pointed out the horrific crimes committed by these groups, including rapes, murders, and other heinous acts, calling for a robust response to ensure the safety of American families.

The interview ended with Brennan noting that the public will be waiting for further details on Trump’s plans, but one thing remains clear: under the new administration, enforcement will be aggressive, and public safety will be at the forefront of immigration policy.