U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan delivered a fiery rebuke to Boston officials during his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, vowing to crack down on the city’s resistance to federal immigration enforcement. Homan’s remarks came in response to Boston’s Police Commission reaffirming its commitment to sanctuary city policies, which limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“I read a story last night. The Police Commission of Boston. You said you doubled down on not helping the law enforcement Office of ICE,” Homan said, addressing the crowd at CPAC. “I’m coming to Boston. I’m bringing hell with me.”
The declaration drew applause from the conservative audience but sparked immediate backlash from Boston officials and immigrant advocacy groups. Homan’s comments underscore the Trump administration’s ongoing battle with sanctuary cities, which refuse to assist federal authorities in deporting undocumented immigrants.
Boston has long been a sanctuary city, with local leaders arguing that such policies foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. The city’s Police Commission recently reiterated its refusal to cooperate with ICE, a move that has drawn the ire of federal officials.
Homan’s threat to “bring hell” to Boston signals a renewed push by the Trump administration to enforce immigration laws in jurisdictions that have resisted federal mandates. The administration has consistently criticized sanctuary cities, accusing them of undermining national security and enabling criminal activity.
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Homan’s remarks come amid heightened anxiety in immigrant communities across the country, particularly in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles. Over the weekend, rumors of ICE raids prompted widespread fear, leading to a noticeable decline in activity at typical gathering spots for day laborers and undocumented workers.
In Los Angeles, community activists have mobilized to protect undocumented residents. Groups like the Community Self-Defense Coalition have been patrolling neighborhoods, monitoring for ICE activity, and using social media to alert the community.
“We denounce them, alert the community with megaphones, and stay until the agents leave,” said one activist. “People are really afraid of what’s happening, so we step up to record and alert the community on social media.”
Activists have also been educating undocumented individuals about their rights, emphasizing that they are not required to open their doors to authorities without a signed warrant.
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In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has remained steadfast in her support for sanctuary city policies. Although her office has not commented on the recent rumors of ICE raids, Bass has previously directed the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) not to assist ICE in immigration enforcement.
In November 2023, the Los Angeles City Council passed a sanctuary city ordinance officially restricting local law enforcement from participating in the arrest or detainment of individuals for immigration purposes. The move has been met with both praise from immigrant advocates and criticism from those who argue it undermines federal law.
The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has sparked protests across the country, including in Southern California, where demonstrators have shut down freeways to voice their opposition. While cities like Los Angeles and Boston have embraced sanctuary policies, other communities in Southern California have chosen not to adopt similar measures, creating a patchwork of enforcement approaches.
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