Tom Homan, named as the incoming border czar under President-elect Donald Trump, has pledged to initiate mass deportations once the Trump administration takes office. In an interview with Fox News, Homan outlined plans for large-scale enforcement operations led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), focusing on individuals with criminal convictions and those ordered deported by immigration judges. A significant portion of these efforts will target sanctuary cities, where local policies have previously restricted cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Chicago was mentioned as one of the first cities for large-scale operations, with 200 ICE officers set to deploy.

Homan emphasized that ICE’s priority would be the “worst of the worst” – those with criminal records or who had been ordered deported. He stated that there are currently about 1.4 million individuals in the U.S. who fall into these categories. However, he also acknowledged the possibility of “collateral arrests,” meaning that individuals who are not the main targets but are found to be in the country illegally could still be detained.

Homan highlighted that the Trump administration would remove bureaucratic and political restrictions on ICE, allowing the agency to enforce immigration laws without apology. This shift marks a significant departure from the more limited enforcement strategies of previous administrations. While supporters argue that these plans are necessary to restore order, critics, including immigrant rights groups, express concerns about the potential for overreach and the impact on immigrant communities.

The announcement signals a major shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, with far-reaching implications for millions living in the country.