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EXCLUSIVE INSIGHT: Border enforcement chief Tom Homan has sternly responded to criticisms from local officials in a sanctuary city, advising illegal immigrants to stay vigilant in light of intensified immigration enforcement efforts. Homan’s remarks signal increasing friction with local politicians who have openly criticized federal immigration policies.
In a recent interview, Homan addressed the backlash from Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan, who rebuked Homan’s claims at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he declared his intention to bring stringent enforcement actions to Boston. Homan’s statements included stern criticism of police commissioner Michael Cox for his lack of cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Homan emphasized, “She needs to put her U.S. citizen taxpayer constituency ahead of illegal aliens who commit serious crimes. I’m not here to threaten her, but illegal immigrants in the country should definitely look over their shoulders because we are coming for them.”
In response, Durkan downplayed Homan’s law enforcement background, pointing out his service in a small town, and mocked his perspective on public safety in Boston. Her comments highlighted a growing rift between federal authorities and local governance regarding immigration issues.
“It’s laughable that someone with a policing history in a small town thinks they can lecture a major city like Boston on safety,” Durkan posted on X, known previously as Twitter. She defended commissioner Cox, stating that he has gained public trust through integrity and competence in his role.
Durkan continued, arguing that Homan’s experiences in immigration enforcement do not equate to the realities faced by urban police departments. She stressed the critical nature of community policing, where accountability and relationships are vital.
When speaking with Fox News Digital, Homan countered that Durkan should be expressing gratitude for ICE’s role in enhancing public safety. He pointed out that in recent operations, ICE detained nine illegal immigrants in Massachusetts accused of serious sexual offenses.
He further urged local leaders to reconsider their stance on sanctuary city policies. “Instead of criticizing ICE, she should applaud our efforts to protect communities from sexual predators and advocate for ending policies that hinder our ability to prioritize public safety,” he stated.
Sanctuary cities like Boston implement policies that limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal agencies like ICE, leading to the release of illegal immigrants with criminal charges back into local communities. Proponents of these policies argue that they foster trust between immigrants and law enforcement, encouraging reporting of crime without fear of deportation.
The government under former President Trump significantly escalated ICE operations, resulting in a dramatic increase in arrests compared to previous years. The administration’s strategic adjustments included dismantling certain restrictions imposed during the Biden presidency, leading to an uptick in deportations.
According to Homan, targeted operations focus on threats to public safety, although he emphasizes that no one in the U.S. illegally should feel exempt from enforcement actions. He encouraged those questioning ICE’s work to listen to the victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
“She should have a conversation with mothers whose children have been harmed by illegal aliens. Witnessing the pain inflicted by these crimes exemplifies why our mission is so crucial,” he expressed.
Homan addressed the criticism surrounding his starting point as a small-town police officer, asserting the importance of community in shaping one’s career. He believes that serving the community from a young age laid the foundation for his later success within federal law enforcement.
Reflecting on his trajectory, Homan noted, “Serving my hometown instilled in me the values that guided my career, culminating in my role leading ICE, which employs over 21,000 law enforcement professionals. It’s a distinct honor to serve in such capacity.”
Beyond immigration enforcement, Homan reminded critics that ICE deals with numerous other federal laws, including those addressing human trafficking and drug smuggling. He contended that the agency’s mandate extends far beyond immigration, tackling various significant challenges that threaten public safety.
Homan concluded by reiterating the multifaceted role of ICE and its relevance in contemporary law enforcement. He called for a pragmatic view of how agency actions contribute to community safety, urging policymakers to support balanced approaches to immigration enforcement.
Contributions to this report came from Fox News reporters Andrea Margolis and Bill Melugin.
