The Trump administration’s war on immigrants has entered a chilling new phase—one steeped in racial profiling, militarized expansion, and billion-dollar enforcement budgets. And Tom Homan, the administration’s appointed “Border Czar”, is at the helm of it all.
Under his watch, ICE isn’t just back—it’s bigger, bolder, and more dangerous than ever.
Mass Funding and Expanded Enforcement
Backed by the GOP’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” ICE is receiving an unprecedented $170 billion in new federal funding, earmarked to build 100,000 detention beds, hire 10,000 ICE agents, and allocate over $75 billion in enforcement funding alone—making ICE possibly the most funded federal law enforcement arm in U.S. history.
Since assuming his new role, Homan has wasted no time. In July, he called on ICE to more than double its daily arrest target—from 3,000 to 7,000—asserting the need to “make up for years of slack enforcement”. That level of enforcement, he warns, is necessary to “round up the millions who slipped through under Biden.”
Lowered Standards, Broader Reach
This is a supercharged machine designed to criminalize movement, surveil communities, and cage people whose only “crime” is seeking dignity. In an interview on CNN’s State of the Union with Dana Bash, Homan defended the use of “reasonable suspicion”—not probable cause—as the standard for ICE arrests. He explained that reasonable suspicion can include location, occupation, appearance, and behavior—but clarified appearance alone cannot be the sole basis for detainment.
As Bash pressed, “What about physical appearance?” Homan acknowledged that ICE officers undergo routine Fourth Amendment training, and insisted multiple “articulable facts” must be considered together—though he affirmed the agency will defend this rationale in court if challenged.
That “discretion” has never worked in favor of people of color. “Reasonable Suspicion” always leads to racial profiling.
Clashes and Rhetoric
Just last month in Camarillo, California, an ICE raid targeting a cannabis farm erupted in chaos. Witnesses say agents fired weapons. Children screamed. Protesters clashed with officers. Tom Homan’s response? He blamed the public: “Anti-ICE rhetoric comparing us to Nazis incites violence,” and warned such messaging would lead to tragedy.
Elsewhere, ICE appears to be reinforcing its stance against legal checks: internal memos direct federal prosecutors to argue against bond hearings and interpret lawful detentions as mandatory—effectively denying due process unless litigated.
Local Resistance and Legal Consequences
Homan has repeatedly voiced disdain for sanctuary city policies. Tom Homan has threatened legal retaliation against officials in states like Wisconsin, claiming they are obstructing ICE operations in local jails.
“Wait to see what’s coming,” he warned—signaling an impending escalation in tactics and friction with state authorities.
Meanwhile, immigrant rights groups and legal observers have raised alarm, asserting that reliance on vague profiling standards erodes constitutional protections and encourages racial targeting.
“The Trump administration’s use of federal prisons to detain immigrants must end. Holding people in extended lockdown, and denying them access to adequate medical care, legal counsel, and even sunlight isn’t just inhumane – it’s illegal,” said Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney at the ACLU’s National Prison Project.
Rising Impact on Communities
Records show a disturbing shift in arrest patterns. In Florida, records show ICE agents arrested dozens of immigrants in June who had no criminal history whatsoever. Over 36% of arrests involved people with no criminal charges or convictions—raising concerns about indiscriminate enforcement of civil status violations.
The broader picture is clear: families now fear everyday routines. Children missing school, people avoiding hospitals or courthouses—uncertain whether ICE will show up at their door, in their workplace, or on the sidewalk.
More Stories
What Comes Next
Legal challenges are already lining up. Courts are evaluating whether “reasonable suspicion” defies Fourth Amendment protections. Advocacy groups are resisting detention without cause. Legislative proposals—such as bills requiring ICE agents to clearly identify themselves and prohibit masked enforcement actions—are gaining traction in Congress.
At the same time, the DHS signals further expansions: workplace raids, joint operations with local law enforcement, and targeting immigrant communities more broadly.
Comments are closed.