‘There Will Be Consequences’ [WATCH]

Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan, who has been named as the incoming Trump administration’s Border Czar, has issued a stark warning to sanctuary city leaders.

Homan stated that local authorities who harbor illegal immigrants could face legal consequences, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.

During an interview with Fox News on Tuesday evening, Homan reinforced his position, highlighting that harboring illegal aliens is a felony under federal law. “There will be consequences,” Homan said, making it clear that the Trump administration will not tolerate local jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration operations.

HOMAN: “You can sit there & watch! Get out of the way. We’re doing it…It is a felony to knowingly harbor & conceal an illegal alien from immigration authorities. It’s a felony to impede a law enforcement officer…Don’t cross that line, because there will be consequences.”

pic.twitter.com/EJ8hTX014o

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 4, 2024

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

The remarks come amid ongoing tension between federal immigration authorities and sanctuary cities, which have policies in place to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Sanctuary city officials argue that their policies protect immigrant communities and foster trust between residents and law enforcement.

However, federal officials like Homan argue that such policies undermine the rule of law and endanger public safety.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a pivotal ruling affirming that the federal government has the authority to deport illegal immigrants, even if local jurisdictions refuse to cooperate.

BREAKING: A three judge panel from the notoriously progressive Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously ruled the federal government has full authority to deport illegal immigrants, even if local officials including mayors and governors object.

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) December 3, 2024

The court’s decision bolsters the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on sanctuary cities and enforce federal immigration laws.

The ruling addressed a legal challenge stemming from sanctuary policies that prevented federal authorities from accessing local facilities or databases to detain and deport illegal immigrants.

The court found that federal immigration enforcement is not subject to local policies, citing the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that federal law takes precedence over state and local laws.

Deportation remains a top priority for President-elect Donald Trump, who has long criticized sanctuary cities for what he views as their refusal to uphold federal law.

Preparations are already underway to ramp up immigration enforcement once Trump takes office on January 20, 2025.

Homan, known for his tough stance on illegal immigration, has been vocal about the need for stronger enforcement measures. “When federal authorities come to these cities looking for criminal illegal aliens, sanctuary city officials must step aside,” he said during the Fox News interview.

The incoming administration has promised to prioritize the removal of illegal immigrants with criminal records.

Homan emphasized that federal authorities would take action regardless of local resistance, citing public safety as the administration’s foremost concern.

The Ninth Circuit’s decision and Homan’s warnings have sent a strong message to sanctuary cities, which now face increased pressure to comply with federal immigration authorities.

Legal experts suggest that sanctuary city leaders could face significant challenges if they continue to block federal enforcement efforts.

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the focus on immigration enforcement is expected to intensify, particularly in jurisdictions that have declared themselves sanctuaries.

Homan’s role as Border Czar will place him at the forefront of these efforts, and his remarks signal a no-tolerance approach toward local resistance.

With less than two months until inauguration, the battle over sanctuary city policies is poised to become a defining issue of the Trump administration’s early days.

The Ninth Circuit ruling and Homan’s firm stance indicate that the federal government is prepared to take decisive action to enforce immigration laws nationwide.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.