Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), recently appointed as President-elect Donald Trump’s national security advisor, shared insights into the upcoming administration’s firm stance on immigration during a discussion on CNN’s State of the Union. Waltz emphasized a proactive and decisive approach to tackling illegal immigration, highlighting the administration’s readiness to implement strategies from day one.
Central to Trump’s electoral promises was the commitment to strengthening the U.S. southern border and executing one of the most extensive deportation campaigns in the nation’s history.
This comes in response to the surge in border crossings seen under the Biden-Harris administration. Waltz provided a glimpse into the measures planned by the new leadership.
According to Waltz, there will be a notably more assertive effort from Border Patrol to secure the border. The administration is working quickly to reinstate the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, and there is an expectation that key international partners will play a more active role in deportation processes, accepting back their nationals.
Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been appointed as the border czar. He will spearhead efforts to deport individuals deemed threats to public safety.
Homan, who has a robust record in immigration enforcement, is expected to lead these efforts with determination, even if foreign nations resist accepting deported individuals.
Waltz reiterated that Trump’s campaign promises included prioritizing the removal of the most dangerous criminals from American communities. Reports from The Wall Street Journal suggest that the administration is preparing executive orders to initiate mass deportation operations, beginning in sanctuary cities like Chicago. Over a week, around 100 to 200 ICE agents are anticipated to conduct these operations.
The urgency of these initiatives was underscored by Waltz, who highlighted the need for aggressive actions to counter criminal activities affecting communities nationwide. Sanctuary cities, which often limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, are expected to be the primary focus of these deportation efforts.
You are certainly going to see a much more aggressive action from Border Patrol to lock down our border, number one,” Waltz said.
“Number two, we are working rapidly back towards a ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy. Number three, you’re going to see some of our key partners step up in terms of deportation and taking some of these people back.”
He added that Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Trump’s newly appointed border czar, will lead efforts to remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
“The president campaigned on it. We are going to start with the worst of the worst of the criminals to get them out of our cities and out of our communities,” Waltz said.
Incoming Border Czar Tom Homan Details Plans for Trump’s Massive Deportation Initiative
Incoming border czar Tom Homan affirmed Sunday that foreign countries refusing to accept their deported nationals would not deter President-elect Donald Trump’s sweeping deportation agenda.… pic.twitter.com/LWODsqNL1C
— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 5, 2025
Despite opposition from Democratic officials in these cities, some of whom have threatened to withhold resources from ICE, Homan has maintained his commitment to following through with Trump’s plans. In December, he announced that Chicago would be the launch site for these operations.
A recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Ipsos revealed broad bipartisan support for deporting illegal immigrants with criminal records, with 83% of Democrats, 94% of Republicans, and 64% of Independents in agreement with such policies.
When questioned by CNN’s Dana Bash about whether the plan would involve large-scale raids, Waltz was evasive about the scale but confirmed the administration’s resolve to rid communities of criminals.
He emphasized that when faced with serious crimes like rape and assault, the administration would not hesitate to act decisively.
Trump’s approach is set to prioritize immediate action upon taking office, with immigration policies expected to be a central focus. As the new administration prepares to implement these strategies, there is a clear message of urgency and commitment to fulfilling campaign promises related to immigration control.
