Tom Homan, set to become the border czar for President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, has proposed leveraging military bases and resources to support mass deportation efforts. The former Acting Director of ICE outlined the possibility during an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
Homan described the idea as “on the table” and said the plan depends on congressional funding. He noted that using military facilities for immigration purposes is not without precedent, as prior administrations under Barack Obama and Joe Biden housed illegal aliens at such locations.
Democrats:
“Trump can’t use the military to help deport illegals!”Also Democrats:
Called in the National Guard to deport 50 illegals out of Martha’s Vineyard to a military base within 48 hrs of their arrival. pic.twitter.com/MByiQD8rjX— LD Basler (@ArmaLite15OU812) November 28, 2024
Although federal law prohibits the military from conducting arrests of illegal aliens, Homan suggested they could provide critical logistical support. This might include detaining individuals at bases or assisting in their transportation back to their home countries. “The military could act as a force multiplier,” Homan said, emphasizing their potential to enhance the capacity of immigration enforcement operations.
Trump’s Team Eyes Military Bases for Mass Deportations
Reports suggest that Donald Trump’s team, led by “border czar” Tom Homan, is considering the use of U.S. military bases and aircraft to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. pic.twitter.com/uoNK8bp7Nt
— Starship Alves 🚀 (@StarshipAlves) December 29, 2024
President-elect Trump has made immigration a key focus of his upcoming administration, vowing to carry out the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history. He has also pledged to finish building the southern border wall and to declare a national emergency on immigration to access Department of Defense funding.
Military involvement would provide a substantial boost to Trump’s immigration agenda, particularly as the administration seeks to expand detention and deportation capabilities. Homan’s remarks highlight the administration’s intent to explore unconventional methods for addressing immigration challenges.
The proposal has already reignited discussions about the role of the military in domestic policy, with critics questioning the appropriateness of using military assets for immigration enforcement.
