The former acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Tom Homan, has announced that he will return to the government alongside elected president, Donald Trump, to confront so-called 'sanctuary cities.' Homan referred to migration as a topic rife with crimes with victims, citing an increase in sex trafficking and terrorism in the country.
'Sanctuary cities' are localities throughout the United States that have established policies to limit the enforcement of immigration laws by federal authorities, providing a space where migrants are protected from deportation or detention. This concept dates back to 1979, when Los Angeles became one of the first sanctuary cities by preventing police from questioning citizens about their immigration status.
These measures aim to reduce the fear of migrants regarding deportation and separation from their families, in addition to ensuring access to shelters, food, and health services. Sanctuary cities are not only found in the United States; Mexico City is also considered one by various organizations.
Tom Homan reaffirmed his determination to fulfill the mandate to enforce immigration laws, echoing Trump’s promise to the American people. In light of the stance of some states with sanctuary cities that seek to remain aloof from these measures, Homan warned that he would not be intimidated and that the government would act accordingly.
In the context of this discussion, Homan dismissed the stance of Illinois Governor Jay Robert Pritzker, who defended migrants and their contribution to the state workforce. Homan emphasized that every illegal immigrant has committed a crime and therefore is considered a criminal. In this regard, he stated that he has about 20,000 ICE agents ready to detain and deport migrants, rejecting excuses in the execution of his duties regarding immigration.
