Tom Homan, the White House border czar, made a strong statement on Monday, urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport or face prosecution if they continue to stay illegally in the U.S. This move is part of the Trump administration’s strategy to push for self-deportation.
Homan emphasized the importance of undocumented immigrants getting their affairs in order and working with ICE to voluntarily leave the country. He highlighted the CBP One Home app as a resource for immigrants to facilitate their departure.
The Call for Registration and Documentation
According to Homan, every undocumented immigrant must register with the federal government and carry proper documentation. Failure to register with the Department of Homeland Security or update address information will now be considered criminal offenses, effective immediately.
Additionally, Homan issued a warning to immigrants with final orders to leave the U.S. but choosing to stay. The Trump administration plans to aggressively prosecute such individuals and impose daily monetary fines of up to $998.
Border Security Progress and Deportation Numbers
Homan’s appearance in the briefing room coincides with the Trump administration celebrating its 100th day in office. He highlighted the administration’s achievements in border security, noting a significant decrease in illegal border crossings since Trump assumed office.
Since January 20, the administration has deported 139,000 migrants, with a focus on ramping up removal numbers. However, deportation figures have fallen short compared to the previous administration’s monthly statistics, as reported by NBC News.
Challenges Faced by the Administration
Despite the administration’s efforts to fulfill campaign promises of swift deportations, challenges persist. Delays in securing additional funding from Congress and the backlog in immigration courts have hindered the rapid removal of undocumented immigrants.
Moreover, the decline in border crossings has made it challenging to meet deportation targets set during the campaign. The administration is also grappling with the issue of removing individuals detained at the border versus those arrested throughout the country.
Executive Orders and Immigration Enforcement
The White House announced the signing of two immigration executive orders aimed at bolstering law enforcement and addressing sanctuary cities. These orders direct the attorney general and the secretary of Homeland Security to identify jurisdictions that impede federal immigration law enforcement.
During the press briefing, questions arose regarding a Wisconsin judge’s arrest for allegedly aiding a man in evading immigration authorities. The administration reiterated its stance on prosecuting individuals who obstruct federal law enforcement.
Family Separation and U.S. Citizen Children
Homan defended the removal of U.S. citizen children alongside their mother, stating that it was a parental decision. He clarified that the government does not deport U.S. citizens and that parents made the choice to take their children with them.
As the administration continues its efforts to enforce immigration laws, the message to undocumented immigrants remains clear: comply with the law, self-deport if necessary, and avoid legal repercussions.
