Tom Homan Defends Mass Deportation Policies in Arizona Address
In a striking address to Arizona lawmakers, border policy chief Tom Homan expressed unwavering support for the administration’s aggressive deportation strategy, unapologetically affirming the removal of undocumented immigrants, regardless of additional offenses. Speaking to a joint legislative session, Homan remarked, “I read every day about what a racist, hateful thing that is to say we have a mass deportation operation.” His comments were directed at what he described as four years of unchecked illegal immigration under the Biden administration.
Homan highlighted the presence of numerous undocumented immigrants with criminal records, emphasizing the need for their removal. “There’s hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens in this nation with criminal record that are walking the streets,” he stated. He further noted that many of those crossing the border have sought asylum, a legal process that allows individuals to claim persecution based on race, religion, political affiliation, or social group involvement.
However, Homan criticized the asylum claims process, suggesting that the vast majority are unfounded. “Nine out of 10 will end up with an order of removal because nine out of 10 made a fraudulent asylum claim,” he asserted, predicting mass deportation as a result. “You can’t demand due process and ignore the decision at the end of that due process, which is an order of removal,” he added.
During Homan’s speech, a portion of the legislative chamber was empty, with some House and Senate Democrats absent. Those present raised signs bearing names of individuals they claimed were targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement before exiting the session.
Homan addressed their departure, questioning their response to issues like child trafficking and missing children. He also referenced the tragic murder of Laken Riley, allegedly by an undocumented migrant from Venezuela, as a consequence of current immigration policies.
The former official praised the Trump administration for reducing illegal border crossings by 94%, attributing this success to its stringent policies. “President Trump did in five weeks what Joe Biden didn’t, wouldn’t, didn’t even attempt to do in four years,” Homan claimed, stressing the impact on drug trafficking and violence reduction.
Homan reiterated his stance that any individual in the country illegally is subject to deportation, contending, “If you’re in the country illegally, you should be looking over your shoulder.” He also criticized sanctuary cities for not cooperating with federal immigration authorities, labeling their concerns as “a bunch of garbage.”
In his speech, Homan defended the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport gang members to El Salvador, a practice recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. He opposed efforts to return improperly deported individuals, questioning judicial decisions that might reverse such deportations.
Homan commended Arizona lawmakers for their support of federal immigration law enforcement, highlighting SB 1164. This legislation requires local and state police to assist with federal immigration enforcement and mandates honoring ICE detainer requests. SB 1164 has moved forward in the legislative process, awaiting further approval.
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