Tom Homan Confronts Reporters on Deportations at White House Press Briefing

Border Security and National Emergency

• 🚨 Border crossings are at a record low, but the situation is still considered an emergency due to past actions and the ongoing threat of fentanyl and cartel activity.
• 🎯 Cartels and organizations like MS-13 are declared terrorist organizations, responsible for more American deaths than global terrorist groups combined.
• ⚠️ The administration is committed to ending cartel activity and ensuring a secure border, viewing it as a critical national security issue.

"Godways" and Illegal Immigration

• 📈 Over two million "godways" (individuals entering illegally) have occurred under the Biden administration, with many paying cartels to avoid vetting and fingerprinting.
• ✈️ These individuals often receive free travel, housing, meals, and work authorization, incentivizing illegal entry.
• 🔒 Over 400 individuals on terrorist watchlists have been apprehended at the southern border in four years, highlighting national security risks.

Due Process and Family Removals

• ⚖️ The removal of US citizen children with their mothers who were in the US illegally is framed as a parental decision, not a government action to separate families.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 The government aims to keep families together, fulfilling parents' requests for their children to accompany them.
• ⚠️ Having a US citizen child does not grant immunity from US laws; enforcing immigration laws is presented as crucial for border security.

Deportation Numbers and Border Wall

• 📊 139,000 deportations have occurred under the current administration, with ICE arrests and removals exceeding those under the Biden administration when comparing like-for-like data.
• 🧱 Over 85 miles of new border wall have been constructed since January 1st, with ongoing requests for further funding.
• 🤝 Mexico is contributing to border security efforts indirectly by taking actions that save millions of dollars daily, enabling wall construction.

Illegal Immigrant Population and Sanctuary Cities

• 👥 An estimated over 20 million individuals are in the United States illegally, with approximately 700,000 illegal aliens with criminal charges currently in the country.
• 🚫 The administration is suing cities over sanctuary city policies that obstruct federal immigration law enforcement.
• 👮 Law enforcement officers who responded to federal agents' calls for assistance were disciplined, prompting a visit to support officers and address these issues.

Migrant Housing and Executive Orders

• 🏠 Facilities like Guantanamo Bay are being used for housing migrants, with Fort Bliss being ramped up for this purpose.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family residential centers are designed for families, including child psychologists and pediatricians, to ensure children are with their actual parents and not victims of trafficking.
• 📜 An executive order directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to identify sanctuary cities that are not complying with federal immigration laws.