Tom Homan vows mass deportations and targets non-cooperating jurisdictions
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 5
Tom Homan vows mass deportations and targets non-cooperating jurisdictions
9 articles · Updated · CNN · May 5
Speaking at the Border Security Expo in Phoenix, Homan said 35% to 40% of undocumented immigrants arrested in Trump's second term had no criminal record.
He said DHS would send more ICE agents into places that limit cooperation with federal enforcement, warning collateral arrests would rise as officers sweep neighbourhoods.
The remarks come as DHS under Secretary Markwayne Mullin adopts a lower-key approach after protests, deadly incidents and falling public support for the administration's immigration crackdown.
When federal agents and state police clash, who has the final say on city streets?
Escalating ICE Enforcement in 2026: The Phoenix Ultimatum and the Quest for One Million Deportations
Overview
In April 2026, Tom Homan announced an aggressive immigration enforcement strategy targeting all undocumented immigrants, regardless of criminal history, deploying more ICE agents to sanctuary cities. This shift, supported by a massive increase in ICE manpower and expanded detention capacity funded by Congress, led to intensified tactics including widespread street arrests. These actions sparked deep fear in immigrant communities, causing school absences, economic harm, and increased voluntary departures, which fragmented families. The harsh enforcement triggered legal challenges from cities and states, political battles causing a DHS shutdown, and growing public disapproval. Meanwhile, tension grew within DHS between Homan's hardline approach and Secretary Mullin's softer, managerial style, highlighting the complex dynamics shaping immigration policy in 2026.