Desk:Tom Homan, the White House border czar, issued a stern warning on Monday to undocumented immigrants, stressing that they will face prosecution if they continue to reside illegally in the US. In the latest effort by the Trump administration to promote self-deportation, Homan emphasized that immigrants “cannot hide” and urged them to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or use the CBP One Home app to leave the country voluntarily.
“If you are an undocumented immigrant in the United States, this message is for you: You cannot evade ICE,” Homan told reporters. “We are actively seeking you out.”
Homan emphasized that all undocumented immigrants must register with the federal government and possess documentation. Failure to comply with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) registration requirements or update their address will now be treated as a criminal offense, effective immediately. He also warned that undocumented immigrants with final orders to leave the country who remain in the US will face aggressive prosecution and potential daily fines of up to $998.
“Illegal immigration is not without victims,” Homan stated. “Each criminal we remove, particularly child abusers, enhances the safety of this country. Each undocumented immigrant we apprehend mitigates a public safety threat, one individual at a time.”
Homan reported an estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants in the US who have been directed to depart but have not complied.
Homan’s remarks in the White House briefing room coincided with the Trump administration’s 100th day in office, during which he highlighted progress in border security. He noted a significant decrease in illegal border crossings, attributing the decline to Trump’s policies. Since January 20, the administration has deported approximately 139,000 migrants, including those deported by ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and the Coast Guard.
However, monthly deportation figures under the Trump administration have fallen short of those under the Biden administration, according to NBC News data. Homan attributed this difference to varying counting methodologies, asserting that the Biden administration included border expulsions in their totals. He underscored that ICE arrests and deportations during the Trump administration exceed those under Biden.
Despite challenges such as limited congressional funding and resources and immigration court backlogs, the administration remains committed to its immigration agenda. President Trump is expected to sign two executive orders on immigration, one aimed at bolstering law enforcement efforts and another targeting sanctuary cities. The latter directive will instruct the attorney general and DHS secretary to publish a list of state and local jurisdictions impeding federal immigration enforcement.
In conclusion, while facing obstacles in meeting deportation goals, the Trump administration continues to pursue its immigration priorities, evident in recent warnings and enforcement actions against undocumented immigrants.