During the Axios' Future of Defense Summit in October, Tom Homan, the nation's border czar, provided an overview of the forthcoming changes to the United States' immigration enforcement strategy. According to Homan, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is on track to remove upwards of 600,000 undocumented immigrants by the end of the year. This figure is poised to climb even higher as the agency gears up for a substantial increase in personnel.
On "The Ingraham Angle," a Fox News program, Homan shared with host Laura Ingraham that ICE is in the midst of a hiring spree, with plans to add 10,000 agents by mid-January. This recruitment drive represents a tripling of the enforcement operations' size, which Homan suggests will lead to unprecedented deportation numbers. "So if you think the numbers are historic now, wait until next year," Homan stated.
Homan's comments come at a time when immigration policy remains a contentious issue in American politics. Critics of the current deportation rates argue that the efforts are insufficient when considering the scale of undocumented immigration. In response, Homan highlights the historical significance of the current operations, which already exceed the previous record set in 2012 by several hundred thousand. He counters the criticism by emphasizing the enormity of the task and inviting critics to contribute to the agency's efforts.
Beyond formal deportations, Homan underlined the psychological impact of ICE's enforcement on undocumented communities. The fear of deportation has led to a notable number of voluntary departures. According to Homan, over 1.6 million illegal immigrants have left the country out of fear, contributing to the overall strategic goal of reducing illegal immigration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem corroborated Homan's figures, noting a substantial exodus of illegal immigrants during her first 200 days in office. She attributed this shift to aggressive messaging and targeted operations implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In line with these strategies, DHS has launched initiatives such as Operation Charlotte's Web in North Carolina, targeting criminal illegal immigrants who sought refuge in sanctuary-style jurisdictions. The operation resulted in 81 arrests on its first day, underscoring the federal government's commitment to enforcing immigration laws.
As ICE continues to expand its reach and capabilities, the landscape of immigration enforcement in the United States is set to undergo significant changes. With the agency's increased capacity and the government's strategic approach, the next year promises to be a defining period for immigration policy.
