Despite a dramatic rise in ICE arrests, President Donald Trump and border czar Tom Homan are demanding stronger enforcement efforts. Both officials say that while progress has been made, they are not satisfied with the current pace of deportations.
Homan, in a recent interview, emphasized that ICE’s interior arrests are three times higher than last year, but that is still not enough. “There are more criminal aliens that need to be arrested, hundreds of thousands,” he said. He also pointed to sanctuary city policies and leaks that have made ICE operations more difficult.
Trump has also voiced concerns about the number of arrests, reportedly telling aides that the current pace is “too low.” While acknowledging the challenges involved in finding fugitives, he praised ICE officers for their work and stressed that the administration is committed to removing illegal immigrants who pose a threat.
According to ICE data, roughly 11,000 arrests have been made in the past 18 days, with an average of 787 per day. However, some detainees have been released due to health issues and overcrowding in detention facilities. Homan has spoken with ICE leadership, stating that releases should only happen with top-level approval.
To expand enforcement capabilities, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has requested IRS agents assist with investigations into businesses hiring illegal immigrants and tracking human trafficking networks. The Treasury Department has been asked to provide criminal investigators to support these efforts.
In addition, the administration is working to speed up deportations through agreements with Central American nations. Public opinion polling suggests most Americans support deportations, though opinions shift depending on the specifics of how enforcement is carried out. Trump and Homan continue to push for a larger and more aggressive immigration crackdown.
