Border Czar Pledges Mass Deportations

U.S. White House border czar Tom Homan announced on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, that the administration plans to implement mass deportations, including increased enforcement in jurisdictions limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Homan stated that the administration would "flood the zone" with immigration officers in such areas, leading to a rise in collateral arrests.

Homan's remarks at the Border Security Expo indicated a renewed focus on aggressive immigration enforcement, despite a recent shisources by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) towards a more targeted and less public approach under Secretary Markwayne Mullin. This strategy contrasts with the previous tenure of Secretary Kristi Noem, which was marked by highly visible operations and public controversy.

The border czar emphasized that while criminal and public safety threats remain a priority, individuals without criminal records who are in the country illegally are also targets for deportation. Homan acknowledged that 35% to 40% of undocumented immigrants arrested during the current administration's second term have no criminal record, asserting that these actions are necessary to "send a message to the whole world."