Who is the “border czar” who has the mission of directing the largest deportation of migrants in the history of the United States

Thomas Homan, a tough-on-immigrant advocate, has been elected by Donald Trump to be his “border czar” and be in charge of directing his strict immigration policy that aims to mass deport undocumented immigrants, as the Republican promised during the electoral campaign in USA.

During the first government of Trump (2017-2021), Tom Homan He was interim director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) between 2017 and 2018. The Senate never confirmed him in office. At that time, he was one of the most visible figures in the Republican’s immigration policy, whose main objective was to finish the construction of a wall throughout the frontera con Mexicosomething that was left unfinished.

Also, when he was in ICE Homan too supported and promoted Trump’s controversial policy of separating migrant families to deter illegal border crossings.

“Tom Homan will be in charge of all deportations of illegal aliens to their country of origin”he stated on Sunday Trumpwho will assume the Presidency of the United States on January 20.

Who is Tom Homan?

Tom Homan62, is a former police officer and government official. According to the AP agency, since he was a child he wanted to be a police officer.

He was a police officer in his hometown of West Carthage, New York, before joining the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in 1984, the precursor of what is today the ICE.

He then held various positions in the Border Patrol and rose to leadership positions in ICE.

During the second term of Barack Obama (2013-2017), Homan was executive associate director of the deportations division from ICE (2013).

BBC Mundo remembers that Obama awarded him the Presidential Rank Awardthe highest recognition granted to civil officials in the United States, for their contribution to border security.

Homan ha collaborated in Project 2025, a controversial government reform proposal that advocates, among other things, more radical measures towards undocumented immigrants, noted BBC Mundo.

Mass deportations, Trump’s promise

At the National Conservatism Conference in Washington this year, Homan He said that while he believes the government should prioritize threats to national security, “no one is ruled out. “If you are here illegally, you better be alert.”

“You have my word. If Trump returns in January, I will be hot on his heels and I will carry out the largest deportation operation ever seen in this country.”he stated.

During the campaign, Trump promised to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. He never gave a figure.

But his running mate, Vice President-elect JD Vance did speak of a specific figure in an interview with ABC News.

“Let’s start with a million people. That was where Kamala Harris failed and from there we can begin to work.”said JD Vance.

In recent interviews, Homan has assured that initially the objective of the deportation policy would be people who represent a risk to national security and He ruled out that the US army will be in charge of finding and deporting migrants.

According to Homanwill begin with the expulsion of criminals and other individuals and then focus on undocumented migrants with deportation orders earrings.

On Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Homan said that ICE will be activated to implement Trump’s plans in a “humane way.”

“It is going to be a well-directed and planned operation carried out by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do it every day. “They are good at it.”he stated.

During an interview on “60 Minutes” before the election, Homan He described as “ridiculous” the idea of ​​​​massive raids in neighborhoods or building camps to detain people, AP indicated.

When asked if there was a way to carry out deportations without separating families, Homan responded that “families can be deported together”. He also said that Immigration control operations in workplaces would be “necessary”.

The separation of families of undocumented immigrants

The La Opinión portal recalled that in July 2019 Homan was questioned in Congress about his role in the immigration policies that led to the separation of children from their parents.

“I recommended zero tolerance”responded to the Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez when she asked him if he had recommended the “family separation” policy.

“The previous leadership of Homan “It was characterized by its efforts to extend detentions, even for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women,” Immigration attorney Eduardo Herrera, co-founder of Brigante Law Group, a law firm that operates in California and Mexico City, told La Opinión. “There were also reported widespread concerns about the treatment and conditions of detained immigrantswith reports of mistreatment and deaths in custody”he added.

“One of the main concerns is the possible resurgence of family separation policies”warned lawyer Herrera. “Homan was instrumental in implementing these policies, which resulted in the separation of thousands of children from their parents at the US-Mexico border. “His appointment raises fears that these traumatic practices could return, causing lasting harm to families.”

Before being confirmed as the “border czar,” Homan He told Fox News that the massive deportation plan will occur even in sanctuary cities or states, places where local authorities do not collaborate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. These policies aim to protect migrants from deportation or detention by immigration authorities.

“If they are not willing to help, then get out of the way because (ICE) is going to do their job.”Homan said Friday.

“They won’t say it, but with all the crimes committed by foreigners and young women being sexually assaulted and murdered, some sheriffs have come forward and worked with us behind the scenes.”Homan said.

The policy of family separation was arrested by the government itself Trump due to widespread criticism.

Currently, It is estimated that there are 11 million undocumented immigrants residing in the United States. About 80% of them have been in the country for more than 10 years.