In a CNN interview, Tom Homan, Donald Trump’s newly appointed “Border Czar,” laid out a sweeping plan to begin mass deportations of undocumented immigrants immediately after Trump is sworn in as president. When asked how soon after inauguration the deportations would start, Homan was direct: “Day one. Day one will be ICE officers across the country out on the streets.”
Homan explained that the initial focus would be on public safety and national security threats, highlighting what he described as a failure of enforcement under the Biden administration. He cited a 74% decrease in the deportation of criminal aliens during Biden’s presidency and pointed to a growing backlog of over 10 million undocumented migrants, many of whom crossed the southern border in recent years.
The Scale of Homan’s Vision
Homan’s role as Border Czar will involve overseeing the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. To carry out this ambitious plan, he has requested significant resources, including 100,000 additional detention beds, expanded congressional funding, and logistical support from the U.S. military. Homan estimates the total cost of the operation at $86 billion but argues that removing undocumented immigrants will save taxpayer money by reducing federal and state assistance programs for migrants.
Military support, Homan noted, will primarily be used for logistics such as transportation, while ICE agents will take the lead on arrests and deportations. The administration also plans to impose economic consequences on countries that refuse to accept deportees, potentially including trade sanctions or a halt in U.S. aid.
Immediate Enforcement Priorities
The deportation efforts, Homan said, will begin with those he described as public safety and national security risks. He noted that there is no shortage of cases, given the backlog created during the Biden administration, and pledged to “restore order at the border” by ramping up enforcement efforts nationwide.
Tom Homan’s Background and Approach
Homan is a veteran of immigration law enforcement with over three decades of experience. He served as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from 2017 to 2018 during Trump’s first term. During that time, he became known for his aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, including the controversial family separation policy.
After retiring from ICE, Homan joined the Heritage Foundation and contributed to Project 2025, a conservative initiative aimed at shaping policies for a second Trump administration. Homan has consistently advocated for strict immigration measures, including expanding ICE’s role and using all available resources to enforce immigration laws.
Challenges and Criticism
The plan outlined by Homan has drawn sharp criticism from immigration advocates, legal experts, and human rights organisations. Critics argue that mass deportations on such a scale risk widespread family separations, economic disruption, and the erosion of due process for those targeted. The financial burden—estimated to exceed $1 trillion over the next decade—has also raised concerns about the plan’s feasibility and fiscal prudence.
Immigration advocacy groups have warned of the social impact on communities and industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor, while legal scholars have highlighted constitutional challenges, particularly regarding expedited deportation procedures.
Homan’s Response
Homan remains steadfast in his commitment to the plan, framing it as a necessary step to address what he calls “decades of broken immigration policies.” He has pledged to prioritise public safety while ensuring that U.S. immigration laws are enforced to their fullest extent.
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, Homan’s role as Border Czar places him at the centre of one of the most controversial and ambitious elements of the new administration’s agenda. The plan has already ignited fierce debate, ensuring immigration enforcement will remain a defining issue in Trump’s second term.
