Former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan told Newsmax on Tuesday that federal immigration authorities will “triple down” on enforcement efforts in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, where local officials limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
During an appearance on Greg Kelly Reports, Homan responded to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ criticism of a recent ICE operation in MacArthur Park, an area known for migrant activity.
“She can have whatever belief she wants, but she’s not going to stop us,” Homan said. “We’re not leaving L.A. Matter of fact, we’re doubling down on L.A.”
He emphasized that ICE has full jurisdiction across the U.S., including in sanctuary cities, and added:
“We’re going to be in sanctuary cities, especially in sanctuary cities. We’re going to double down and triple down.”
Homan criticized local policies that prevent law enforcement from turning over criminal illegal immigrants to ICE when they’re released from jail, forcing federal agents to conduct riskier operations in neighborhoods or workplaces.
“If they don’t want to work with us and give us the criminal illegal alien… then we’re going to be in the community looking for them,” he said.
Mayor Bass had publicly objected to the presence of ICE and National Guard troops during the MacArthur Park operation, telling reporters they “need to leave — and leave now.”
Homan responded by saying such outbursts from local leaders only embolden federal efforts:
“We’re going to triple worksite enforcement… If we can’t arrest them in jail, we’ll arrest them in the community. We can’t find them in the community, we’ll arrest them at their worksite. But we’re not going anywhere.”
He concluded that ICE will continue its enforcement daily, with a special focus on sanctuary cities like Los Angeles.
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