Controversial Plan: How One Man Aspired to Mass Deport Migrants

Typewriter with "Deportation Order" typed on paper.

Tom Homan, Trump’s reinstated Border Czar, vows to deport 90% of migrants who entered during prior administrations, signaling a dramatic shift in immigration policy.

At a Glance

Tom Homan, appointed as “border czar,” will oversee border security and deportation efforts
Homan plans to implement the largest mass deportation of undocumented migrants in U.S. history
The strategy focuses on illegal immigrants with criminal convictions or charges
Critics argue the plan could harm families and conflate traffickers with victims
Homan’s appointment doesn’t require Senate confirmation, allowing less oversight

Homan’s Ambitious Deportation Plan

Thomas Homan, a seasoned law enforcement veteran and former acting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, has been chosen by Donald Trump to lead what could be the most extensive deportation effort in American history. Homan’s appointment as “border czar” places him at the forefront of Trump’s stringent immigration policy, with a clear mandate to dramatically reduce the number of undocumented immigrants in the country.

Homan’s strategy targets a wide range of undocumented individuals, with a particular focus on those with criminal records. He stated, “President Trump made it clear we will prioritize public safety threats and national security threats first. That’s what the focus will be. There are over 1.5 million convicted criminal aliens in this country with orders for removal who we’ll be looking for, there are thousands of gang members we’ll be looking for.”

Controversial Approach and Criticism

Homan’s assertive stance has drawn both support and criticism. His involvement in the previous “zero tolerance” policy, which led to family separations at the border, remains a contentious point. Critics argue that the new deportation strategy could harm families and incorrectly equate trafficking victims with criminals.

Despite these concerns, Homan remains steadfast in his approach, emphasizing the need for consequences for illegal entry. He suggests that many illegal immigrants might leave voluntarily if border crossing incentives are removed, potentially reducing the need for forceful deportations.

Implementation and Challenges

The implementation of Homan’s plan faces several challenges. The American Immigration Council estimates that a mass deportation could cost at least $315 billion, raising questions about its feasibility. Additionally, Homan’s role as “border czar” does not require Senate confirmation, which some experts argue could lead to a lack of oversight.

Homan’s strategy includes targeting workplaces and addressing sex trafficking as part of the deportation effort. He also plans to reverse Biden administration policies by targeting non-criminal immigrants for deportation and reviving mass immigration arrests at workplaces, which were discontinued under the current administration.

Looking Ahead

As Homan prepares to take on this significant role, his actions will likely have far-reaching implications for U.S. immigration policy. His pledge to run “the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen” underscores the administration’s commitment to a hardline approach on immigration.

“I promised President Trump when he announced that if he goes back, I go back. And I’m going to run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen because these millions of people being released in this country, nine out of 10 will get an order of removal based on immigration court data.”

While Homan maintains that legitimate asylum claims and humanitarian concerns will be considered, his overarching message is clear: those in the country illegally should not feel comfortable. As this policy unfolds, it will undoubtedly remain a focal point of national debate, shaping the landscape of American immigration for years to come.