EAGLE PASS, Texas—Incoming border czar Tom Homan has emphasized the support that states like Texas will receive from the White House in securing the U.S. southern border.
Homan and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott have pledged to enhance cooperation between the federal government and states eager to fortify the border as President-elect Donald Trump’s deportation plan unfolds. They recently served Thanksgiving meals to Texas Department of Public Safety law enforcement and Texas National Guard members.
“The first morning I woke up with a smile on my face was the day after the election when President Trump won because he’s going to come back. He’s going to finish the job he started,” said Homan, the former acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Proposals put forth by Trump and Homan include reversing Biden administration policies swiftly, declaring a national emergency, involving the military in deportations, reinstating Trump’s executive orders, activating the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, defunding NGOs, and collaborating with willing states.
Homan commended Texas for its border enforcement model over the past four years, which involved erecting fencing and razor wire, placing barriers in the Rio Grande, and constructing its own border wall. Texas has even offered a 1,400-acre ranch to the incoming administration for use as a deportation hub.
Homan highlighted the security threat posed by the large number of unvetted illegal immigrants crossing the border, including the concern of “gotaways” who evade capture and are not accounted for in official statistics.
Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, anticipates that the Trump administration will drop federal lawsuits against state efforts to combat illegal immigration and work closely with states like Texas. Trump has nominated South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Former Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol Rodney Scott, now a senior fellow for border security with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, believes the Trump administration will build upon its first-term initiatives, possibly expanding programs like 287(g) to empower local and state law enforcement in arresting illegal immigrants.
While some states are eager to cooperate with federal efforts to tackle illegal immigration, others, like Massachusetts and Arizona, have expressed opposition. Governors of these states have indicated reluctance in using state resources to aid Trump’s deportation agenda.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has voiced concerns about the impact of deportations on Arizona families, emphasizing a need to protect residents from potential harm.
“I will not speculate on hypothetical scenarios. The details of a mass deportation plan, including its resources and implementation, are currently unknown.” Trump hinted on Truth Social that he plans to utilize the military in his deportation efforts. Judicial Watch head Tom Fitton indicated on the social media platform that there are reports of the incoming Trump administration considering declaring a national emergency and employing military resources to counter the influx of immigrants under Biden’s administration. Trump confirmed this by saying, “True!!!”.
Civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are gearing up to challenge Trump if he decides to involve the military in deportation operations. ACLU’s executive director, Anthony Romero, stated in a press release that they will take legal action to halt Trump’s deportation raids, warning that it could drastically alter the lives of millions of Americans.
Trump has proposed revisiting the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which regulates the use of the military by the federal government for domestic law enforcement purposes. The act allows exceptions for legislated circumstances.
The military has previously assisted in logistical support during national disasters and emergencies. If Trump declares a state of emergency regarding illegal immigration, it could open the door for military assistance in transportation or construction needs for deportation operations.
Trump had campaigned on utilizing the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to authorize mass deportation, a law last used during World War II for Japanese internment camps. Legal expert von Spakovsky believes Trump’s plans to secure the border are legally sound, citing previous court rulings on Trump’s immigration policies.
The Biden administration’s use of the CBP One phone app, which grants temporary humanitarian parole to certain immigrants, is likely to be discontinued under Trump’s leadership. The app was repurposed to aid illegal immigration, allowing thousands of individuals monthly parole and entry into the country.
Republicans have criticized NGOs that assist migrants in reaching the U.S. and provide services to them. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz introduced legislation to cut off funding to these groups. Taxpayer dollars are funneled to these organizations via various government agencies, including DHS, FEMA, and Health and Human Services.
The U.S. funds the United Nations, which in turn supports NGOs aiding migrants at the southern border. Legal expert von Spakovsky hopes Trump addresses the funding going to U.N. agencies facilitating mass migration, suggesting a suspension of funds to these entities. Please rewrite this sentence. Please rewrite this sentence. Please rewrite this sentence.
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