WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Trump administration border czar Tom Homan announced Tuesday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) teams have begun arresting individuals deemed public safety threats as part of a nationwide operation targeting dangerous illegal immigrants.
Speaking on Fox News, “America’s Newsroom,” Homan stated that ICE agents are prioritizing individuals in the country illegally who have been convicted or arrested for serious crimes. “We gave them direction to prioritize public safety threats that we’re looking for. We’ve been working up the target list,” he said.
Homan clarified that ICE agents are prepared to conduct operations in sanctuary cities where local authorities restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. “In sanctuary cities, we’re not allowed to get that public safety threat in the jail, which means we got to go to the neighborhood and find him,” he said, adding that collateral arrests of other undocumented individuals in such operations would also take place.
Homan emphasized a shift in enforcement compared to previous policies, noting, “Unlike the last administration, we’re not going to tell ICE officers not to arrest an illegal alien.” He warned that sanctuary city policies would likely lead to an increased ICE presence in those neighborhoods.
Earlier in the day, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rescission of a Biden-era directive that restricted ICE operations near sensitive locations, including schools, churches, and medical facilities. The move signals a broader enforcement strategy under current federal leadership.