Sanctuary Cities Fuel Crime, ICE Czar Warns

Sanctuary Cities Fuel Crime, ICE Czar Warns

Border Czar Tom Homan is speaking out against sanctuary city policies, saying they directly lead to preventable deaths. He argues these policies protect criminals instead of citizens. This comes after the former Border Patrol Chief, Greg Bovino, criticized Homan and other officials for not doing enough. Bovino claimed the current administration is failing to address the border crisis.

Criticism and Defense

Greg Bovino, who recently retired as Border Patrol Chief, made strong accusations on his way out. He stated that Homan and other officials were doing nothing, which he believes caused the current border mess. Bovino specifically mentioned an incident where a family was burying their daughter. In response, Tom Homan acknowledged Bovino’s service to the country, calling him a patriot. However, Homan defended his own record, stating that under his leadership, more illegal immigrants have been deported than at any time since the Eisenhower administration. He made it clear that anyone thinking he is soft on immigration is mistaken.

Tragedy in Chicago

The discussion turned to the recent murder of Sheridan Gorman, a university student in Chicago. She was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela who had a prior arrest record. Homan pointed to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s response, suggesting the mayor wasn’t taking full responsibility. Johnson stated that the death was an obvious result of ‘open border times’ and policies. He also mentioned the city’s ‘Welcoming City ordinance’ and the ‘Safety Act,’ which were enacted years ago. Homan argued that sanctuary city policies are essentially sanctuaries for criminals.

The ‘Angel Moms’ and Sanctuary Policies

Homan has spent 15 years working with ‘Angel Moms’ and ‘Angel Dads,’ families who have lost children due to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. He stressed that sanctuary city policies allow criminals to believe they can commit crimes without local law enforcement contacting federal immigration officials. Homan believes cities like Minneapolis have become safer because they are starting to cooperate more with federal immigration authorities. He urged other cities to follow this example, stating it doesn’t make sense to release someone who is a public safety threat back into the community when they can be turned over to ICE.

Political Opposition and Cooperation

The conversation highlighted a political divide. While Homan and Republicans advocate for ending sanctuary policies, some Democrats are pushing for new ones. Governor Abigail Spanberger of Virginia is mentioned as an example, with her administration reportedly not cooperating with ICE. A case in Northern Virginia involved an undocumented immigrant with over 30 arrests who allegedly fatally stabbed a woman named Stephanie Mentor. Homan stated that even if local jurisdictions don’t hold individuals for ICE, they can still be notified when the person is about to be released. He emphasized that law enforcement officers have ways to work around these policies to ensure public safety. Homan vowed to continue fighting against sanctuary city policies, believing they save thousands of lives.

Government Shutdown and ICE Agents

The interview also touched on the partial government shutdown and its impact on airport security. Homan, who previously served as Acting Director of ICE, explained the situation for ICE agents. He noted that ICE policies have not changed significantly over the years, remaining consistent under different administrations. The issue, he argued, is in the execution of the mission. Homan stated that ICE is focusing on public safety and national security threats, as promised by President Trump. He expressed frustration that some in Congress want to abolish ICE or defund it through budget processes. Homan insisted that ICE is doing the job Congress mandated and funded, and they will continue to do so.

Negotiations and Public Safety

Regarding negotiations on Capitol Hill, Homan expressed hope for a resolution but noted they were not there yet. He reiterated that ICE’s tools are essential for keeping both agents and the community safe. Homan found it hard to believe that any member of Congress would refuse to open the Department of Homeland Security, leaving TSA officers, Coast Guard, Secret Service, and FEMA personnel unpaid. He called it politics over public safety and national security. Homan believes differences should be set aside to reopen DHS, with immigration enforcement discussions happening separately.

President Trump’s Stance

Homan described President Trump’s position as wanting all government functions to operate. He stated the President believes ICE is fulfilling its mission as required by Congress. Homan called Trump a strong supporter of ICE and Border Patrol, believing him to be the greatest president of their lifetime. He noted that under Trump’s administration, there have been record numbers of arrests and removals. Homan concluded that President Trump, like many others, sees ICE as a legitimate agency focused on the worst offenders, not those seeking asylum legally.

Looking Ahead

Homan reflected on his career, watching open border policies unfold and seeing every state become a border state. He finds it remarkable that the southern border is now essentially closed. He looks forward to seeing how ICE can remove more illegal alien criminals from cities, preventing them from victimizing young women.

Source: Tom Homan talks Bovino criticism, ICE and Chicago | Katie Pavlich Tonight (YouTube)