Trump Border Czar Mentions Portland, Warns Sanctuary Cities of ICE Crackdown

Trump's Border Czar Warns of Increased Enforcement in Sanctuary Cities

In a recent televised interview, President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, issued a strong warning about the future of immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities. The comments came during a six-minute appearance on Fox Business, where Homan defended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from what he described as harmful rhetoric that likened them to Nazis, terrorists, and racists. He emphasized that such rhetoric could lead to "bloodshed" and pledged that enforcement efforts would continue to prioritize national safety.

Homan specifically mentioned Portland, along with other major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, which are considered sanctuary cities due to their reluctance to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. He reiterated that ICE will "double down, tripling down" on enforcement actions in these areas, regardless of local resistance.

The conversation was prompted by a host who accused mayors of sanctuary cities of inciting violence. This included references to ongoing protests outside the ICE office in Portland, where 22 people have been arrested since early June, as well as pushback from officials in New York City, Chicago, and Boston. Homan stood firm in his stance, stating that federal officials would not back down from carrying out the mission for which President Trump was elected: mass deportations.

“I’m going to Portland,” Homan said. “I’m going out there. They are not going to bully us … we’re going to do the job. We’re doing it in Portland too. But for the mayor of New York City and Chicago, President Trump made it clear two weeks ago, we’re going to double down and triple down in sanctuary cities.”

This statement marked the first of three times Homan repeated the phrase about increasing enforcement, highlighting the administration's focus on intensifying operations in cities that resist federal immigration policies.

Surge in Immigration Arrests Across the Nation

Immigration arrests have seen a significant rise across many states, prompting large-scale protests. In Los Angeles, for example, Trump deployed the National Guard to manage unrest despite objections from Governor Gavin Newsom. The city remains a key target for immigration enforcement, with a heavy convoy of immigration officers and National Guard members recently storming a central park. Mayor Karen Bass even intervened by speaking directly with the operation's official and requesting their departure.

Similar protests have occurred in New York City and Chicago, where residents have voiced concerns over the increased presence of immigration enforcement agencies. Homan noted that some Republican-led states, such as Florida, are cooperating with federal authorities, allowing more resources to be directed toward sanctuary cities.

Cooperation and Impact of Sanctuary Policies

Homan stated that all sheriffs in Florida have agreed to work with federal authorities, emphasizing that they are not releasing individuals deemed public safety threats. He explained that this cooperation allows ICE to allocate fewer resources in Florida and redirect them to cities like New York, Chicago, Portland, and Los Angeles.

According to one imperfect measure, immigration arrests in Oregon have quadrupled. Federal agents have targeted construction and vineyard workers on their way to work, as well as detained others near the federal courthouse following immigration hearings.

Homan also warned that if local jails refuse to detain immigrants due to sanctuary policies, ICE will increase worksite enforcement. He added that when enforcement efforts escalate, authorities will not only target those without legal status but also anyone found in the country illegally.

A Warning to Sanctuary Cities

Homan delivered a clear message to sanctuary cities: “So, what you’re going to get, sanctuary cities, is exactly what you don’t want. More agents in your communities and more collateral arrest. That’s what we’re going to do. We’re doubling down, tripling down.”

His comments reflect a broader strategy aimed at pressuring cities that resist federal immigration policies. As enforcement continues to intensify, the impact on communities and local governments is expected to grow, raising concerns among residents and officials alike.