President Donald Trump and his top immigration official, Tom Homan, are calling for a stronger crackdown on illegal immigration, arguing that current ICE enforcement efforts are falling short. Despite a significant rise in interior arrests, both men believe there is still much work to be done.
Homan, who serves as Trump’s “border czar,” expressed his dissatisfaction with ICE’s current pace in an interview this week. He noted that while arrests have tripled compared to last year, the numbers are still not where they should be. “There are more criminal aliens that need to be arrested, hundreds of thousands,” he stated. Homan also cited challenges from sanctuary cities and leaks that have hindered enforcement operations.
Trump has privately voiced similar frustrations, reportedly telling aides that ICE’s arrest numbers are “too low” and that he expects a more aggressive approach. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he acknowledged the difficulty of locating fugitives but made it clear that his administration is sending out thousands of officers to target and deport criminals.
According to officials, ICE has made approximately 11,000 arrests over the past 18 days, averaging 787 per day. However, not all detainees have remained in custody. Some migrants have been released due to medical concerns and overcrowding in detention centers. Homan has spoken directly with ICE leadership, stating that releases should not happen without clearance from top officials.
The administration is also looking to expand immigration enforcement beyond ICE. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has formally requested IRS agents to assist in identifying businesses employing illegal migrants and investigating human trafficking networks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent received the request, which aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to ramp up enforcement.
To accelerate deportations, the administration is negotiating agreements with Central American countries, ensuring faster removals of illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, polling shows that a majority of Americans support stronger immigration enforcement, though support weakens when specific enforcement measures are detailed.
