Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has resumed its enforcement of immigration laws, according to Tom Homan, the former acting director of ICE. He stated in an interview that operations targeting criminal illegal aliens have already begun. Homan emphasized that these are not random raids but planned operations focusing on public safety threats.
During interviews, Homan noted that ICE is prioritizing individuals who are in the country illegally and have criminal convictions. He explained that the agency relies on thorough investigative work to find these individuals, particularly those who miss court dates or violate deportation orders. Homan also mentioned that local jurisdictions known as sanctuary cities complicate ICE's work by refusing to cooperate, forcing officers to search neighborhoods to locate individuals instead of finding them in jails.
While Homan focused on targeting criminals, he acknowledged that non-criminal undocumented immigrants might also be arrested during these operations. He made clear that enforcement actions would be taken against anyone found with priority targets, explaining that the law does not require a serious crime for someone to be deported.
CNN's Dana Bash expressed concern about the broader implications for undocumented individuals, especially those without criminal records. Homan responded that when targeting criminals, any undocumented individuals encountered would also face enforcement actions. He reinforced that ICE is back to enforcing immigration laws and that this marks a significant change in priorities, moving away from previously less rigorous enforcement.
Homan’s statements indicate a renewed commitment from ICE to carry out its role more actively, affecting both criminal immigrants and those who may be undocumented but have not committed crimes. This marks a shift toward stricter immigration enforcement under the current administration.
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