Tom Homan Affirms Felony Prosecution for Impeding ICE, Targets 3,000 Daily Arrests Nationwide

Tom Homan, the U.S. "Border Czar," recently issued a stern warning regarding federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing that individuals who "cross the line" by knowingly harboring undocumented immigrants or assaulting ICE officers will face felony prosecution. This declaration underscores the Trump administration's intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws across the nation, particularly in the face of ongoing protests.

Homan explicitly referenced federal statutes, stating, > "If you cross the line of knowingly harboring or concealing an illegal alien from ICE, that is a felony." He further warned against physical interference, adding, > "You put hands on an ICE officer... We will prosecute you." These statements highlight the government's intent to utilize Title 8 United States Code 1324 (iii) for harboring and impeding federal law enforcement.

The Border Czar reiterated the administration's broad enforcement scope, asserting that "if you’re in the country illegally, you’re on the table." He confirmed an ambitious target of 3,000 arrests per day, stating, "We’ve got like a thousand teams operating every day across this country" and that other agencies are augmenting these operations. This aggressive stance aims to send a clear message about consequences for unlawful presence.

Homan sharply criticized "sanctuary cities," arguing that their policies hinder ICE's ability to apprehend individuals safely within jails. He stated that this non-cooperation forces ICE into neighborhoods, leading to "collateral arrests" where agents will detain anyone found to be in the country illegally, regardless of prior criminal record. He emphasized, "When we find them, he's going to be with others [and] if they're in the country illegally, they're coming too."

This aggressive approach has drawn significant opposition from local officials and advocacy groups. Mayors of sanctuary cities, such as Boston's Michelle Wu, have publicly challenged Homan's claims, asserting that such tactics undermine community trust and overall public safety. Critics also point to "Know Your Rights" campaigns as a legitimate exercise of First Amendment rights, despite Homan's characterization of them as attempts to "escape arrest."

Despite the backlash and protests, Homan remains resolute in his commitment to the administration's enforcement agenda. He has consistently dismissed criticisms, stating that ICE is merely enforcing laws enacted by Congress. His defiant message to protesters is clear: "You can protest all you want... But you can’t cross that line of interfering in a law enforcement operation."