Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, defended the controversial decision to raid schools and churches as part of the administration’s tougher stance on illegal immigration. While emphasizing the importance of showing consequences for illegal entry, Homan acknowledged that deporting all undocumented people in the U.S. was not realistic. He argued that such actions should be taken on a case-by-case basis, particularly in cases where there is a national security or public safety threat.
The rule change, which allows for enforcement actions at “sensitive” locations such as schools, churches, and workplaces, was met with criticism, particularly from Catholic organizations. They argued that using places of care as sites of fear would harm communities rather than make them safer. However, Homan stood by the policy, insisting that it was necessary to enforce the laws passed by Congress and signed by the president.
Vice President JD Vance also responded to the criticism, suggesting that some groups were more concerned with their funding than with humanitarian issues, pointing to the large sums they received for resettling immigrants.
Despite the controversy, immigration enforcement actions have been ramped up, with ICE making hundreds of arrests in recent days. Homan urged Congress to allocate more funding to support the expanded deportation efforts, calling for a substantial increase in ICE beds to manage the growing number of arrests.
