President Donald Trump and his top immigration official, Tom Homan, are demanding more aggressive action from ICE, saying that while arrests have surged, the numbers are still not where they need to be. Both officials are calling for a more forceful approach to ensure the rapid removal of illegal immigrants.
Homan stated in a recent interview that ICE’s enforcement actions are three times higher than last year but remain insufficient. “There are more criminal aliens that need to be arrested, hundreds of thousands,” he said. He cited sanctuary cities and leaks as major obstacles hindering ICE’s ability to fully enforce immigration laws.
Trump has also expressed his dissatisfaction with the current rate of arrests. While praising ICE officers for their work, he has privately insisted that the agency must do more. Reports indicate that Trump has told aides that the number of arrests is “too low” and has directed officials to accelerate enforcement efforts.
Over the past 18 days, ICE has conducted about 11,000 arrests, averaging 787 per day. However, due to issues such as overcrowded detention centers, some migrants have been released from custody. Homan has spoken with ICE leadership, making it clear that releases should not happen without top-level approval.
In an effort to expand immigration enforcement, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reached out to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, requesting that IRS agents assist in investigating businesses employing illegal immigrants. The administration believes this will help dismantle human trafficking networks and hold employers accountable.
Trump’s team is also working to secure international agreements to expedite deportations, particularly with Central American countries. Public opinion surveys show that most Americans support stronger immigration policies, but support fluctuates when details on enforcement strategies are provided.
