In a bold stand against critics, Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s key figure on border security, is making it clear that no unauthorized migrant is exempt from enforcement under the current administration’s policies.

As reported by Newsmax, Homan addressed reporters outside the White House on Monday, emphasizing that while national security and public safety threats remain the top focus, anyone in the country without legal status is subject to removal. 

Homan didn’t mince words, pointing out that being in the U.S. without authorization is itself a violation of law, and enforcing that law is the core mission of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He pushed back against the notion that only those with violent records should be targeted, suggesting that such a narrow focus ignores the broader mandate of his agency.

Challenging Sanctuary Cities with Broad Sweeps

Homan highlighted a particular challenge in so-called sanctuary cities, where local policies often shield unauthorized migrants from federal enforcement. He explained that when ICE agents pursue individuals with criminal records in these areas, they frequently encounter others who lack legal status but aren’t the primary targets.

In such cases, Homan was unequivocal: everyone in violation of immigration law will be detained, regardless of their criminal history. This approach, he argued, is a necessary response to communities that obstruct federal efforts to maintain order.

The policy of sweeping up all unauthorized individuals in these operations marks a stark contrast to more selective enforcement strategies of the past, and it’s stirring debate among those who see it as overreach. Yet Homan insists this is simply upholding the rule of law as intended.

Contrasting Policies with Previous Administration

Homan took a sharp jab at the prior administration, critiquing former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for what he called a rewriting of immigration law. He accused Mayorkas of instructing ICE to ignore unauthorized presence unless paired with serious criminal convictions, a directive Homan views as contrary to statutory intent.

Under the current leadership, Homan stressed, such restrictions are gone, and ICE will enforce the law as written. This shift, he noted, aligns with the mandate voters gave President Trump to secure the borders and uphold immigration standards.

The difference in approach isn’t just rhetoric; it’s a fundamental return to a stricter interpretation of federal authority, one that doesn’t bow to progressive pressures for leniency. Homan’s words carry a clear message: the law isn’t up for reinterpretation based on political whims.

ICE Statistics Show Dramatic Enforcement Increase

Backing up Homan’s tough stance, recent ICE data reveals a significant uptick in enforcement actions. The number of unauthorized migrants arrested and detained without additional criminal charges surged from roughly 860 in January to 11,800 by mid-June, a staggering rise of nearly 1,300%, according to Reuters figures cited by Newsmax.

Even among those with criminal charges or convictions, detentions climbed, though at a more modest rate of 101%. These numbers underscore the administration’s aggressive push to address unauthorized presence across the board.

Critics may decry the focus on non-criminal cases, but for Homan and his team, the data reflects a commitment to comprehensive enforcement. It’s a signal that no one slips through the cracks under this watch.

A Firm but Fair Path Forward

As the debate over immigration policy heats up, Homan’s defense of broad deportation efforts reflects a conservative resolve to prioritize law and order over selective compassion. Yet, there’s an underlying acknowledgment that these are complex human issues, even if the solution leans hard on enforcement.

For many Americans frustrated with porous borders and sanctuary policies, this approach feels like a long-overdue correction to years of lax oversight. It’s not about cruelty, but about consistency—ensuring the rules apply to everyone, no exceptions.

While the left may paint this as heartless, Homan’s stance, backed by rising ICE numbers, suggests a belief that true fairness lies in upholding the law as a foundation for national security. The road ahead will likely see more contention, but for now, the administration stands firm on its promise to enforce without apology.