Trump paid tribute to Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, during remarks in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Homan is known for his support of the administration’s “zero tolerance” policy, which led to family separations at the border in 2018. Trump is set to attend a gala hosted by Border911, a nonprofit group headed by Homan that focuses on undocumented immigrants. Trump has indicated that he would appoint hard-liners to enforce immigration laws if re-elected.
The event on Thursday will also include Matt Whitaker, who was chief of staff at the Department of Justice during the implementation of “zero tolerance.” Trump has stated that he would prioritize great border security for a second term, potentially appointing individuals like Homan to key positions. Trump has outlined an aggressive immigration platform for a potential second term, including mass deportations, military involvement in combating drug cartels, and stricter measures for undocumented immigrants and their families.
Trump has not explicitly stated whether he would reinstate “zero tolerance” or family separations in a second term. Hundreds or possibly more families remain separated as a result of the policy implemented during his presidency. The Trump campaign spokesperson has indicated that Trump would restore all previous policies and introduce new measures to crack down on criminal activity among smugglers and initiate a large deportation operation.
The Border911 Foundation, hosting the gala attended by Trump, received its tax exemption from the IRS last August. Charities are prohibited from endorsing political candidates, raising concerns about the organization’s involvement with Trump’s campaign. Polls show that voters trust Trump more on border security than Biden, despite the Biden campaign highlighting what they view as inhumane immigration policies under the Trump administration.
Immigrant advocates fear the repercussions of a potential Trump re-election for undocumented immigrants, DACA recipients, and those in the nation’s interior cities. Trump’s association with individuals like Homan, who support tough immigration enforcement, signals a continuation of restrictive policies towards immigrants. Concerns about how immigrants may be treated under a second Trump administration have led to calls for greater protection for vulnerable populations.
