The Trump administration is ramping up efforts against sanctuary cities, accusing them of protecting undocumented migrants with criminal records.
Border Czar Tom Homan, speaking on The Faulkner Focus Wednesday, declared that these jurisdictions were officially “on notice.”
“Promises made, promises kept,” Homan said. “President Trump promised he’d take the sanctuary cities on, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi is also leading the charge. The Justice Department released a list of jurisdictions it says are blocking federal immigration enforcement, naming cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, as well as states including California, Colorado, and Minnesota — most with left-leaning policies.
“I thank God Pam Bondi stepped on this right away,” Homan added. “We’re putting them on notice.”
The Justice Department said these areas were evaluated based on laws, executive directives, and local ordinances. Immigration officials argue some policies are designed to “impede enforcement of federal immigration statutes and regulations.”
Homan urged local authorities to cooperate:
“When a public safety threat, illegal alien, is in your jail, work with us, give us access… Let us arrest the public safety threat in the safety and security of a jail, which is safer for everybody.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed these concerns on Fox & Friends, saying sanctuary policies make it harder and more dangerous for officers to work.
“We have extensive experience in these cities and states,” Noem said. “It’s difficult for our officers to operate every day when they don’t have the backup of local law enforcement.”
Many Democratic leaders remain defiant. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson recently stated his city “will not ever cooperate with ICE,” calling the administration’s approach divisive. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has also criticized ICE, particularly over agents wearing face coverings — prompting pushback from Homeland Security.
Separately, 12 Democratic members of Congress have sued the Trump administration, claiming it is restricting access to federal immigration detention centers. The suit challenges a new DHS policy requiring a week’s notice for visits and limiting access to certain areas.
Homan has rejected claims that ICE primarily targets non-criminal migrants, insisting most arrests involve “criminal aliens.” Homeland Security recently cited crimes by migrants in custody, including child sexual assault and meth trafficking.
He said legal action against sanctuary cities has already begun and vowed to keep holding them accountable.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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