Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has put forward a bold proposal aimed at empowering Americans to play a role in tackling crime associated with illegal immigration. Homan, who has been tapped to oversee what he calls “the largest deportation operation in American history,” suggests a national hotline where citizens can report suspected criminal activity by undocumented migrants.
“I want a place where American citizens can call and report,” Homan explained in an interview with NBC News. The idea, still under review, is one of several measures being discussed as part of the incoming administration’s focus on border security and immigration enforcement.
A National Effort to Protect Citizens
Homan’s vision centers on engaging everyday Americans in the fight against crimes like human trafficking and forced labor. “We need to take care of the American people,” he said. “We need to make sure they have an outlet to help report child traffickers, forced labor traffickers. We want to give them an opportunity to be a part of the fix.”
This hotline would provide a direct line for citizens to alert authorities to criminal activity, enabling swift responses and contributing to a broader sense of security.
The Push for Mass Deportation
Homan is also a staunch advocate for mass deportation, particularly for migrants who commit crimes while living in the U.S. illegally. “I think mass deportation and results of mass deportation are more important to this country than anything,” he asserted. “I don’t put a price on all these young women who’ve been raped and murdered. I don’t put a price on our national security.”
His stance reflects a core belief that public safety and national security must take precedence in immigration policies.
Shutting Down the Darien Gap
Another ambitious element of Homan’s approach involves closing the Darien Gap, a perilous stretch of jungle in Panama that serves as a critical route for migrants traveling north toward the U.S. border. The treacherous terrain has become a popular smuggling corridor, with over 530,000 migrants crossing the area last year alone.
“It needs to happen,” Homan said, emphasizing the necessity of shutting down this route to safeguard both lives and U.S. national security. He added, “Shutting down the Darien Gap is going to protect our national security. It’s going to save thousands of lives.”
The proposed plan would require collaboration with Panama’s government. Homan stressed the importance of international cooperation, stating, “We’re going to work with the foreign government.”
Support from Panama
Panama has already seen a decrease in illegal crossings through the Darien Gap, with its Security Minister Frank Abrego reporting a 40% drop. However, concerns remain about the potential for those numbers to rise again without sustained support from the U.S.
“We want the Trump administration to realize that its border is actually here at the Darien Gap and to see how complicated that area is,” said Abrego, highlighting the ongoing need for resources and collaboration to manage the situation effectively.
The Bigger Picture
Homan’s proposals reflect the incoming administration’s tough stance on immigration and border security. By creating new tools like a hotline for crime reporting and addressing critical smuggling routes such as the Darien Gap, the goal is to prioritize safety and strengthen national security measures.
While these ideas are still in the planning stages, Homan’s firm belief in their potential impact is clear. His message to Americans is simple: the fight for secure borders and safer communities requires everyone’s involvement.
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