Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming border czar, announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will commence extensive nationwide operations starting Tuesday, focusing on apprehending individuals residing in the U.S. illegally.
Key Details:
- Scope of Operations: The coordinated raids will involve all 24 ICE field offices across the country, with Chicago being one of the targeted cities.
- Policy Shift: Homan emphasized a departure from previous administration policies, stating that ICE agents will now enforce immigration laws without restrictions, prioritizing public safety threats but not excluding other undocumented individuals.
- Operational Changes: Under the new directives, ICE will no longer be limited to arresting only those convicted of serious crimes or deemed national security threats. All individuals in the country illegally are subject to enforcement actions.
Community Response:
In anticipation of these operations, immigrant communities and advocacy groups are mobilizing to inform individuals of their legal rights and prepare for potential encounters with ICE agents. Local officials in cities like Chicago, known for their sanctuary policies, have reiterated their commitment to protecting immigrant residents.
Looking Ahead:
These actions mark the beginning of the Trump administration’s efforts to fulfill campaign promises regarding immigration enforcement. The nationwide raids are expected to continue throughout the week, with ICE focusing on individuals with outstanding removal orders and those with criminal histories.
As the situation develops, communities and local governments are bracing for the impact of these operations, while legal organizations are offering support to those affected. The broader implications of this policy shift will unfold in the coming weeks as the new administration implements its immigration agenda.
EXCLUSIVE: Incoming border czar @RealTomHoman tells Primetime he will find the missing kids and that starting Tuesday, ICE will finally go out and do their jobs. pic.twitter.com/XwivF0HbQM
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) January 18, 2025