Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan has stated that an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents is imminent in New York City, directly challenging the city's sanctuary status. Homan criticized Mayor Eric Adams's administration for its refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
"It's coming," Homan said Sunday on "Fox & Friends Weekend." While he declined to provide specific details about the planned operations, Homan explained his reticence was to prevent well-funded groups from interfering with federal efforts. "We're not going give them any upside on this," he added.
Homan's comments followed remarks by Mayor Adams, who expressed pride in New York City's sanctuary identity and stated the city would not participate in civil immigration enforcement with the federal government. Adams questioned the federal government's deportation priorities, particularly for individuals accused of crimes for which the federal government may not have full information. When asked if he had visited the U.S.-Mexico border, Adams reportedly replied negatively.
Reacting to Adams's stance, Homan asserted that federal immigration law dictates the deportation of individuals residing in the country illegally. "Every illegal alien in this nation that's here illegally, [and] crossed the border illegally, which is a crime, needs to be deported," Homan stated. He emphasized that adherence to this policy is a matter of the rule of law, suggesting that those who disagree should advocate for changes in legislation through their congressional representatives.
Homan implied that former President Donald Trump's campaign promises regarding border security and mass deportations resonated with voters, and that his administration's actions demonstrated a commitment to fulfilling those pledges. Homan also referenced the arrest of thousands of individuals, including those with criminal records, as a consequence of the current immigration enforcement landscape.
ICE is currently conducting operations within New York City and across the state, but Homan indicated that a significant surge in activity is necessary. The agency's enforcement actions aim to detain and deport individuals who are in the country unlawfully, particularly those with criminal histories. Homan's warning underscores a growing tension between federal immigration enforcement priorities and the sanctuary policies adopted by some local governments.