Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan has declared war on sanctuary cities, threatening legal action against officials who harbor illegal immigrants, while Democratic leaders like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu remain defiant against the administration’s immigration enforcement plans.
At a Glance
- Tom Homan announced plans to prosecute anyone harboring illegal immigrants “to the fullest extent of the law,” specifically targeting sanctuary city officials
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and other Democratic city leaders have publicly vowed to resist Trump’s immigration policies and maintain sanctuary protections
- Denver Mayor Mike Johnston admitted his city spent $79 million on services for illegal immigrants while being evasive about Denver’s sanctuary status
- House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has requested testimony from Democratic governors of sanctuary states for a May 15 hearing
- The Trump administration is implementing unprecedented immigration enforcement tactics, including using military aircraft for deportations and potentially targeting previously off-limits locations
Homan Issues Direct Threat to Sanctuary City Officials
Tom Homan, appointed as President Trump’s “border czar,” has taken an aggressive stance against cities and states with sanctuary policies. During recent public appearances, Homan made it clear that the administration intends to prosecute officials who interfere with federal immigration enforcement. When asked if sanctuary city officials would face legal consequences, Homan responded with a stark warning that has sent shockwaves through local governments across the country.
“Absolutely. And hold tight on that one cause it’s coming. It’s coming. I’ve been saying that since day one.” said Homan.
Homan has been particularly vocal about Boston, directly challenging Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. At the Conservative Political Action Conference, Homan blasted Cox’s commitment to sanctuary policies, saying: “The police commissioner of Boston, you said you’d double down on not helping the law enforcement offices of ICE. I’m coming to Boston, I’m bringing hell with me. You’re not a police commissioner. Take that badge off your chest, put it in your desk drawer. Because you became a politician. You forgot what it’s like to be a cop.”
Democratic City Leaders Stand Their Ground
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has emerged as one of the most outspoken opponents of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Following Homan’s threats, Wu defended her city’s sanctuary status, declaring that Boston answers to “not kings, and not presidents who think they are kings.” Wu emphasized her support for Commissioner Cox, posting on social media: “This is our city. We’re going to continue following & enforcing the laws to keep all Bostonians safe. And it goes without saying that our police commissioner has my complete confidence & support.”
Boston operates under the Boston Trust Act, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Massachusetts has a total of eight sanctuary cities, though Governor Maura Healey has clarified that Massachusetts itself is not a sanctuary state. Healey noted: “We are not a sanctuary state. If you come here, there is not housing here, and I think that’s been effective in changing the trajectory of [migration to Massachusetts].”
Congressional Oversight Intensifies
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer has escalated the conflict by demanding testimony from Democratic governors of Minnesota, Illinois, and New York regarding their sanctuary policies. Mayor Michelle Wu is among the local officials expected to testify before the committee on May 15. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s recent Capitol Hill appearance previewed what may be a contentious hearing, as Johnston avoided directly answering whether Denver is a sanctuary city while admitting the city spent $79 million on services for illegal immigrants.
The administration’s approach represents a significant departure from previous enforcement priorities. Under Trump and Homan’s direction, the government has begun using military aircraft for deportations for the first time in U.S. history. The administration has also signaled its willingness to conduct enforcement operations in previously off-limits “sensitive” locations like schools and churches, raising concerns among immigrant advocacy groups about the scope and aggressiveness of planned deportation efforts.
Unprecedented Enforcement Tactics Taking Shape
Homan has outlined a comprehensive strategy that leverages “the entire government” for immigration enforcement. The administration has ended the “catch and release” practice and declared a national emergency at the border. Officials claim their enforcement efforts prioritize public safety and national security threats, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants have criminal records or pending charges. Homan justifies these measures by emphasizing consequences for illegal entry.
“If we don’t show there’s consequences, you’re never going to fix the border problem” Homan said.
While Homan has presented an aggressive enforcement agenda, he acknowledges practical limitations due to funding and resources. The administration’s mass deportation plan remains in its early stages, with success largely dependent on Congressional support. Nonetheless, the confrontational approach toward sanctuary jurisdictions signals a significant shift in federal-local relations on immigration enforcement, setting the stage for legal battles that will likely determine the boundaries of local resistance to federal immigration policies.
