In a controversial announcement, Tom Homan, appointed as the next "border czar" by Donald Trump's incoming administration, stated that Chicago will be the "ground zero" for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
This plan, which aims to fulfill campaign promises to enhance border security and manage immigration flow, is designed to focus on individuals with pending deportation orders and criminal records.
During an event in the northwest of the city, Homan urged Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to work with federal authorities on the implementation of this immigration strategy, reported Telemundo Chicago.
Homan, who previously served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump's first administration, outlined that the plan will initially focus on identifying asylum seekers whose status has been denied and on arresting individuals with criminal backgrounds.
"On January 21, you will see many ICE agents in your city looking for criminals and gang members," Homan insisted. "Count on it. It's going to happen," he emphasized.
"If Mayor Johnson does not want to help, he should step aside," Homan stated, suggesting that local authorities should follow the example set by New York City Mayor Eric Adams regarding cooperation with federal immigration policies.
The proposed "zero tolerance" policy involves swift and decisive actions against any immigrant without legal status in the country, including mass detentions, expedited trials, and immediate deportations.
Activists have expressed concerns about potential human rights violations and their impact on vulnerable communities.
Homan acknowledged that, although the intention is not to separate families, this situation could occur in certain cases. "It is not our goal, but the law must be enforced," he emphasized.
The designation of Chicago as a focal point for these operations poses a direct challenge to the "sanctuary city" policies of the city and the state of Illinois, which restrict cooperation with federal agencies on immigration matters.
The implementation of these measures could create tensions between local authorities, both from the Democratic Party, and federal authorities, in addition to causing uncertainty among immigrant communities in the region.
In September 2024, during his electoral campaign, Trump announced that if elected, he would prioritize mass deportations in states like Ohio and Colorado. These statements sparked debate, particularly due to the unfounded accusations against immigrant communities, such as the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio.
Two months later, after winning the presidential elections in that country, the magnate appointed Homan as the new "border czar."
Homan, known for his firm stance on immigration matters, will oversee the southern and northern borders, as well as the country's maritime and air security.
His appointment is part of Trump's strategy to carry out the largest deportation operation in the history of the United States, focusing on the expulsion of undocumented immigrants.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mass Deportations in the U.S. under Trump
Where will the mass deportations announced by the Trump administration begin?
Mass deportations will begin in Chicago, designated by Tom Homan, Trump's "border czar," as the "ground zero" for these actions. This plan will focus on individuals with pending deportation orders and criminal records.
What is the main focus of Trump's mass deportation plan?
The plan will focus on identifying and deporting immigrants with denied legal status and criminal records. The actions will include mass detentions, expedited trials, and immediate deportations, raising concerns about potential human rights violations.
What challenges does Chicago face regarding mass deportations?
Chicago is facing a direct challenge to its "sanctuary city" policies, which limit cooperation with federal agencies on immigration matters. The implementation of these measures could create tensions between local and federal authorities.
What role does Tom Homan play in Trump's mass deportation plan?
Tom Homan has been appointed as the "border czar" and will oversee the implementation of the plan. His focus will be on strengthening border security and coordinating the necessary actions to carry out the largest deportation operation in the history of the United States.
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