Chicago could become a primary target for intensified immigration enforcement under Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s designated border enforcement chief.
During a Republican holiday event on Chicago’s Northwest Side Monday night, Homan delivered stern warnings to local and state leadership regarding his planned immigration enforcement agenda, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
“Chicago’s in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks,” Homan told supporters at the Law & Order PAC event, where he detailed plans to target undocumented immigrants. He urged Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker to cooperate with federal authorities, stating that the city’s sanctuary policies would not impede federal operations.
Homan, who previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term, emphasized his commitment to stringent immigration law enforcement. He indicated that undocumented individuals found alongside criminal suspects would face arrest, regardless of whether they were initial targets.
“When they find that bad guy, he’s probably going to be with others who aren’t priorities because they’re not criminals. But they’re going to be arrested too,” Homan said.
Regarding family separation, Homan acknowledged it wasn’t an explicit policy but could occur during enforcement operations. “If you put yourself in that position, it may happen,” he said, adding, “But there’s no plan in this administration right now to separate families.”
Illinois officials are preparing to resist the proposed enforcement measures. Governor Pritzker has pledged to protect state residents, denouncing potential federal funding cuts to sanctuary cities as illegal.
“To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior,” Pritzker said following the election.
A spokesperson for the governor responded diplomatically: “Rather than responding to every ridiculous boast from Trump lackeys, Governor Pritzker is focused on leading our state with competence instead of chaos.”
Homan criticized the current asylum system, claiming most applications lack merit. “Nearly nine out of 10 people who claim asylum at the border never get relief from those courts,” he said. “They simply don’t qualify for asylum.”
Mayor Johnson has maintained his stance on protecting Chicago’s undocumented population. “We will not allow federal agents to target Chicago residents with the help of our police,” Johnson stated post-election.
Homan responded tersely to Johnson’s position: “If he doesn’t want to help, get the hell out of the way.”
Alderman Nicholas Sposato, present at the event, noted Trump’s growing support in traditionally Democratic areas, with the former president’s Chicago vote share reportedly doubling in 2024 compared to 2016.
The statements align with Trump’s broader immigration agenda, including his recent Meet the Press interview where he reaffirmed plans to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, despite constitutional challenges under the 14th Amendment.
Addressing DACA recipients, Homan outlined limited options for parents: “You can either take a child home with you, or they just stay here. But you don’t get a pass.”
As tensions escalate between local and federal authorities, Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city faces unprecedented challenges, setting the stage for potential legal battles over immigration enforcement and civil rights.
The confrontation between Chicago’s sanctuary policies and federal enforcement priorities appears poised for prolonged conflict as both sides prepare for extended legal and political challenges.
This text is based on a story from the Chicago Sun-Times which can be read by clicking on the link below.