‘We Are Coming, You’re Not Going to Stop Us’: Trump Border Czar Doubles Down on Threats to Arrest Democrats
(Melina Mara / The Washington Post via Getty Images file)
President-elect Donald Trump’s border czar, former ICE chief Tom Homan, reiterated his threats to arrest Democratic lawmakers who interfere with mass deportations during an appearance Monday on the right-wing Benny Johnson Show.
“It’s a felony. A felony we will prosecute,” Homan told host Benny Johnson. “I’m not going to be bullied. I’m not going away. I’m not going to be silenced. We are coming. You’re not going to stop us.”
Homan, who will advise Trump on border security policies, has made repeated threats against “sanctuary states” and “sanctuary cities”—jurisdictions that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. While these policies are legal under federal law, Homan clarified that actively obstructing or hiding undocumented immigrants from federal authorities could constitute a criminal act.
However, controversy erupted in the lead-up to the election when Homan suggested the Trump administration might deport entire families, even if their children were U.S. citizens. Following significant backlash, he walked back those comments, emphasizing that the focus would remain on deporting immigrants who have committed serious crimes.
Homan’s recent statements appear to target Democratic leaders like Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who earlier vowed that citizens and politicians would engage in “civil disobedience” against mass deportations. Johnston later clarified that he did not intend to break the law but stood by his commitment to resist federal efforts.
The Denver mayor’s comments, along with similar sentiments from other Democratic officials, sparked Homan’s threats of prosecution, which have angered many within the party. Despite the escalating rhetoric, New York City Mayor Eric Adams struck a different tone, pledging to work with Homan’s team, signaling a divide among Democratic leaders in their approach to Trump’s immigration plans.
Homan’s aggressive posture underscores the hardline immigration policies expected under the incoming administration. While sanctuary city policies have been a consistent target of Trump allies, Homan’s warnings of felony prosecution mark a significant escalation in tone and strategy.
Critics argue that Homan’s threats are intended to intimidate local governments and suppress resistance to Trump’s immigration agenda. Supporters, however, view his statements as a strong enforcement message aimed at restoring border control.
As Trump prepares to re-enter the White House, Homan’s remarks set the stage for renewed clashes between federal immigration authorities and Democratic-led jurisdictions that have pledged to defend immigrant communities.
