Incoming border czar Tom Homan declared on Friday that the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) legal efforts to block President-elect Donald Trump’s deportation agenda will not derail the administration’s plans.
Speaking on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime, Homan defended the deportation initiative as essential for public safety and vowed to press forward despite opposition.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit on November 19, following Trump’s election victory, seeking details from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on how the agency plans to implement Trump’s promise to carry out the “largest deportation program in American history.” The legal challenge aims to disrupt what the civil rights group deems “inhumane” policies.
“We’re going to do the job. They’re not going to stop us,” Homan said. “They can make it difficult. They can make it less efficient. They can make it dangerous. But what they need to understand, and every sanctuary city needs to understand, we can arrest a bad guy in the safety and security of a jail.”
Homan criticized sanctuary cities for releasing individuals he described as “public safety threats” back into communities, arguing this endangers residents, law enforcement, and the individuals involved. “When they knowingly release a public safety threat back in the community, it puts the community at risk. It puts our agents at risk. It puts the alien at risk,” he added.
Homan: “They’re Not Going to Stop Us”
Homan reaffirmed the administration’s focus on prioritizing the removal of individuals deemed a threat to public safety. “No one should be against removing public safety threats out of the community, especially if they’re here illegally,” he said. “We’re going to do this. You’re not going to stop us.”
Homan also expressed optimism about the role of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security. “I can’t wait until Kristi Noem gets to her confirmation. She’s going to be an outstanding secretary. With President Trump, her, and myself, we’ll get this done,” he said.
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Trump announced Noem’s nomination in November, calling her a vital part of his administration’s mission to “Make America Safe Again.”
The ACLU has pledged to use a combination of legal challenges, lobbying efforts, and collaboration with Democratic officials to prevent Trump’s deportation plans. In June, the organization unveiled its strategy, which includes pressuring Congress to cut funding for DHS immigration enforcement and urging local officials to resist cooperation with ICE.
“These policies are inhumane,” the ACLU stated on its website. “That’s why we’re calling on Congress to cut funding to DHS immigration enforcement and prevent Trump from having access to the resources he needs to carry out his mass deportation plans.”
Several Democratic leaders, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, have already signaled they will not cooperate with ICE in conducting mass deportations.
A High-Stakes Political Battle
Homan’s comments reflect the deep divisions over immigration enforcement that are likely to define the early days of Trump’s presidency.
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While the administration frames its deportation plans as a public safety measure, opponents argue they are harsh and unjust.
With lawsuits and political resistance mounting, the debate over immigration enforcement is set to be a key flashpoint in the coming months.
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