TAMPA, FL — Tom Homan, former director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), made a notable appearance at a recent conservative student summit in Tampa, delivering an impassioned address that sought to rally support against what he labeled “criminal sanctuary policies” in Democrat-led cities. His strong stance indicates renewed vigor within the pro-enforcement community as they prepare for the approaching election cycle.
During his speech at Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit, Homan pledged to challenge sanctuary policies across the United States, starting his campaign in Minneapolis and expanding to other states such as Illinois, New York, and California. “This is about to get a hell of a lot bigger,” he declared, capturing the crowd’s support with loud cheers. His comments reflect a determination to confront local politicians directly, particularly those who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Homan directed pointed criticism at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his non-cooperation policies between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. “Tim Walz says ‘he’s not going anywhere’?! Well, neither am I. Neither is President Trump. Neither is AG Bondi. Neither is DHS Secretary Noem!” Homan asserted, signaling his campaign will not relent.
This assertive approach marks a shift from policy discussion to an advocacy strategy focused on public engagement and mobilization. Homan’s turn to “field mobilization” was evident as he prepared for what insiders call a “multi-state truth tour.” His stated goal is to expose the consequences of sanctuary jurisdictions and their effect on public safety.
According to Homan, crime rates in cities with sanctuary policies are on the rise because local officials prioritize political agendas over public safety. This sentiment resonates with recent data from the Center for Immigration Studies, which highlights that 68% of immigration detainer requests in sanctuary areas are ignored. This equates to over 10,000 criminal aliens being released back into communities that would have otherwise been transferred to federal custody.
Homan noted that many currently released from custody under sanctuary policies have troubling criminal backgrounds. He emphasized, “You want to know why crime is spiking in these cities? Because politicians are choosing politics over public safety.” This connection between sanctuary policies and crime underscores rising frustration within law enforcement and communities affected by repeat offenders.
One focal point of Homan’s efforts is Chicago, where policies restrict ICE’s access to jail records and allow individuals posing national security risks to remain in the community. Similar situations exist in New York City, where federal cooperation has been denied in numerous significant cases, including violent offenses. Homan’s remarks reflect a call for accountability from local leaders who, he argues, protect criminals at the expense of their residents’ safety.
Supporters of sanctuary policies argue that these measures build trust between immigrant communities and local police. However, critics like Homan contend that such policies primarily protect those with serious criminal records, not the law-abiding immigrants they claim to defend. Data from ICE reveals that 82% of those criminal aliens released nationwide in 2022 due to sanctuary policies had prior felony convictions for violent offenses.
Furthermore, studies indicate a troubling trend of recidivism among those released from custody due to sanctuary policies. According to a 2022 Justice Department study, 48% were re-arrested within a year, often for violent crimes. Homan’s speech made it clear that he considers these outcomes unacceptable and a result of poor decision-making by sanctuary city leaders.
As the summit came to a close, Homan’s concluding remarks made it clear he intends to ramp up pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions. He declared, “We’re not going to be quiet anymore. We’re going to show up in these cities. We’re going to name names.” The audience responded with chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” demonstrating their support.
With the 2024 election season quickly approaching, Homan’s firm stance could resonate with many voters who feel the impact of rising crime rates in their communities. Historical polling indicates that immigration issues remain at the forefront for Republican primary voters, as a significant majority believe the government is not doing enough to address illegal immigration.
Homan’s bold approach appears to indicate a shift in political dynamics surrounding immigration enforcement. By mobilizing in response to real-world grievances and calling attention to policy failures, he aims to reshape the narrative around sanctuary policies and their implications for public safety. As he stated, “We’ve been playing defense for too long. We’re going to these cities, and we’re going to make sure every American understands what’s been hidden from them.”
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