Tom Homan, recently appointed by Donald Trump as the head of border security, visited Eagle Pass, Texas, one of the most critical areas for the crossing of undocumented immigrants, accompanied by the state's Republican governor, Greg Abbott.
Homan stated that under the new Trump administration, the largest deportation operation in U.S. history will take place: "We have just gone through a massive illegal immigration crisis, where nine out of ten people seeking asylum end up with a deportation order. Let me be clear: there will be mass deportation," he asserted during his speech, as reported by WCTI-TV.
The official also sent a strong message to Democratic lawmakers who might oppose these policies: “Do not cross that line. This is a matter of national security and we will not back down.”
Both Homan and Abbott held President Joe Biden and his administration accountable for what they described as a "humanitarian crisis" at the southern border.
Abbott emphasized the negative impact of current immigration policies, noting that over 11 million people have illegally crossed the border in the last four years, resulting in significant human and criminal costs.
For his part, Homan emphasized Trump's administration's plans to reverse the immigration policies implemented by Biden: "The country wants security, and we are going to finish the job we started. It is time to act," he stated.
During the visit, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced the acquisition of a 1,402-acre ranch in Starr County, which will be used to construct facilities for the detention and deportation of immigrants who have committed violent crimes.
Buckingham emphasized that this project, known as the "Jocelyn Initiative," aims to lighten the burden on local jails and protect the citizens of Texas.
Additionally, in a symbolic event, Homan and Abbott served food to the soldiers and officers assigned to Operation Lone Star, a state effort to reduce illegal immigration.
Abbott stated that his model has reduced the influx of immigrants in Texas by 86%, and Homan expressed his intention to replicate this success on a national level.
The announcement from Buckingham coincided with the start of construction on a new section of the border wall in Starr County.
The official emphasized that these actions aim to ensure the safety of citizens and to prevent tragedies like the murder of Jocelyn Nungaray, whose mother was present at the event: “We will do everything possible to ensure that no family has to suffer what Alexis and Jacqueline have endured,” she concluded.
With Trump's return to the White House, his administration appears determined to implement stricter immigration policies, aimed at strengthening border security and prioritizing the deportation of immigrants with criminal records.
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