In a move aimed at addressing national security concerns and illegal immigration, incoming Border Czar Tom Homan has revealed plans to implement a hotline for Americans to report criminal behavior by illegal immigrants.
Homan, who will assume his role under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, shared his vision for the initiative in an interview with NBC.
“I want a place where American citizens can call and report,” Homan stated.
“We need to take care of the American people. We need to make sure they have an outlet to help report child traffickers, forced labor traffickers.”
“We want to give them an opportunity to be a part of the fix,” Homan told the outlet.
The hotline is part of a broader strategy to combat human trafficking and criminal activities associated with illegal immigration.
While the implementation details are still being developed, Homan emphasized that this initiative would empower Americans to play a role in addressing these challenges.
Homan clarified to NBC News that the administration’s approach would not involve immediate mass deportations, despite their necessity in the long term.
“We’re going to do it in a smart way,” he explained.
“We’re still working on how exactly we want to roll this out, but [work site] operations have to come back again because it’s the No. 1 place we find victims of forced labor being run by many cartels.”
Highlighting the human cost of illegal immigration, Homan argued that mass deportations were vital for the nation’s security and the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
“I think mass deportation and results of mass deportation are more important to this country than anything,” he said.
“I don’t put a price on all these young women who’ve been raped and murdered. I don’t put a price on our national security.”
Homan underscored the critical importance of tightening border security, a key campaign promise of President-elect Trump.
“I think the American people have spoken,” he said.
“This is the No. 1 issue. They went to the voting booth. I think Congress is paying attention. They’ll give us the money to do this job. It’s not so much about illegal immigration. It’s about national security.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Homan noted the need for substantial resources and infrastructure in statements to The Wall Street Journal.
“I keep getting asked the question: How many people are we going to remove in the first 100 days? I don’t know,” he admitted.
“I don’t know what resources I’m going to have, what Congress is going to give me for funding.”
Having served under six presidents, Homan’s extensive experience informs his perspective on effective immigration policies.
“I’ve seen hundreds of policies come and go. I’ve seen what policies worked and what policies don’t work,” he said. “Open borders are inhumane. Secure borders save lives.”
Members of Congress have expressed understanding of the logistical and financial constraints that Homan and the new administration face.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) emphasized the measured approach being taken.
“We are not having a discussion about 20 million [deportations],” Issa said, per CNN.
“We are having a discussion about an order, and priority, and expectation.”
Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises while maintaining a realistic approach.
“His message is not code talk for, ‘Nothing is going to happen’ or, ‘We’re going to slow down’ or whatever. But it is a responsible policy approach to getting stuff done quickly, but also in the context of realistic evaluation of how to best get that done and fulfill the promises that the incoming administration has made,” Amodei said, according to CNN.
As Homan prepares to take on his role, his plans reflect the administration’s broader commitment to national security and addressing illegal immigration. The proposed hotline, coupled with a strategic approach to deportations and border security, represents a significant shift in policy direction.
