Tom Homan, who has been chosen by Donald Trump to lead border control efforts, is gearing up to strongly tackle illegal immigration. During a television appearance, he promised to boost security along the border with Mexico, working closely with Texas’s governor, Greg Abbott. Homan announced that Trump plans to implement executive measures to strengthen immigration policies in the US.
Homan’s message was clear and direct – individuals who cross the border illegally will be detained. This development marks a shift towards a more stringent approach as Trump prepares to resume presidential duties with a focus on mass deportations, even though specifics are still undetermined. This initiative would likely need significant financial backing from Congress and cooperation from other nations to take back migrants. Abbott, who has already spent enormous amounts of state resources on bolstering border security, described these efforts as essential given what he termed an “invasion” by migrants, many of whom are seeking asylum. Abbott launched a controversial program to transport migrants released into the US to cities like New York and Chicago.
Recently, Trump hinted at tying his trade policies to immigration control due to concerns about crime and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
At an event attended by National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troops in Eagle Pass, Texas, Homan reaffirmed a plan to conduct extensive deportations of illegal immigrants. He called upon governors and city mayors to cooperate with federal authorities in these efforts.
Homan commended Texas’s strategies under Abbott, such as building barriers and arresting those who enter illegally. He stressed that a Trump-led government would collaborate with Texas rather than challenge its border security measures through litigation – criticizing the current administration’s legal opposition to Abbott’s actions.
Homan emphasized, “We’re not going to wait until January 20th. Plans are already underway to secure the Texas border completely and ensure the Southwest’s protection.” His strategy may involve reintroducing agreements with other countries, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and ceasing the catch-and-release procedure. Homan indicated that executive orders would be crucial to overcoming congressional deadlock on asylum issues.
As the federal government plans to escalate border enforcement under Trump’s leadership, Texas may adjust its own efforts, which have amounted to an $11 billion expense. Additionally, Abbott’s office sought nearly $3 billion more for future funding sessions.
Previously, the Texas General Land Office proposed offering 1,400 acres of land near Rio Grande City for building facilities for deportations. They indicated intentions to find more land for the federal government to support deportation activities.
Overall, encounters with migrants at the US-Mexico border have significantly dropped since President Biden’s executive order in June curtailed asylum options. Statistics show a 55% reduction in encounters outside ports of entry and a two-thirds decrease in individuals released into the US pending immigration court dates.
During Trump’s initial presidential term, Homan was the face of “zero tolerance” policies, which opposed keeping families together during deportation processes. This approach led to significant criticism and numerous children being separated from family members. Homan also oversaw deportations under former President Obama.
Immigration was a major issue for voters in the 2024 election season, trailing only the economy in priority for swing-state voters. Under the Biden administration, net migration increased, reaching 2.6 million in 2022 and 3.3 million in 2023, compared to an average of 900,000 annually from 2010 to 2019, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
