Tom Homan, Trump's Border Czar, Vows to Withhold Federal Funds from States Opposing Deportation Plans

Tom Homan, appointed by President elect Donald Trump as the incoming "border czar," affirmed that the new administration plans to withhold federal funds from states and municipalities that refuse to cooperate with its mass deportation initiatives.

Homan, who previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under both Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, is set to oversee the execution of Trump's immigration policies, including the ambitious goal of conducting the "largest deportation program in American history."

During an appearance on Fox News with host Mark Levin, Homan was asked about strategies to ensure state compliance with federal immigration enforcement. Levin suggested that, similar to historical precedents, the federal government could leverage financial incentives to compel cooperation. Homan responded unequivocally, stating, "That is going to happen. I guarantee President Trump will do that."

Federal Funds

In response to the incoming administration's deportation plans, several Democratic leaders have expressed strong opposition. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has been particularly vocal, pledging to resist federal immigration enforcement within his city. Johnston likened potential confrontations to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in China, stating, "It's like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right? You'd have every one of those Highland moms who came out for the migrants. And you do not want to mess with them."

However, the potential withholding of federal funds poses significant financial implications for states. In fiscal year 2021, California received approximately $163 billion in federal grants, New York $110 billion, and Texas $106 billion.

While these figures were elevated due to pandemic-related federal assistance, federal grants remain a substantial revenue source for states, ranking as the second-largest in fiscal year 2022, according to a Pew analysis.

The tension between federal immigration authorities and sanctuary cities is not new. However, the incoming administration's firm stance on immigration enforcement and the threat to withdraw federal funding represent an escalation in this ongoing conflict. Homan has emphasized that cities refusing to cooperate with ICE operations will face increased federal presence, stating, "If you're not going to help us, get the hell out of our way."