White House Border Czar Discusses Arrests and Deportation Operations

White House border czar Tom Homan discussed immigration enforcement efforts in an interview with the Washington Examiner on Monday, May 18. Homan said arrests since President Trump took office stand at approximately 641,000. Deportations exceed 800,000 when including Border Patrol actions, he stated.

Homan said the administration counts both formal removals and self-removals. He stated that self-removals through the CBP Home app and voluntary departures have reached millions, bringing total removals above 3 million. Homan said the approach mirrors operations during the Obama administration.

He added that the messaging about enforcement has prompted some individuals to leave without formal proceedings.

Homan identified sanctuary city policies as a major obstacle. He said these policies require agents to locate individuals outside jails, increasing the number of personnel needed per arrest. Homan also cited court orders as another challenge. He stated that some district court judges have issued nationwide stays or temporary restraining orders that affect enforcement operations.

Homan said the administration has expanded detention capacity to between 68,000 and 70,000 beds. The target remains 100,000 beds, he stated. Homan said the Big Beautiful Bill provided additional funding for transportation. He noted that the administration is evaluating state facilities, federal facilities, and contracted locations for detention use.

Homan said New York recently ended participation in 287(g) programs. This change requires officials to transport some individuals out of state for detention, he stated.