Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, alongside Border Czar Tom Homan, held a briefing Monday to discuss the administration’s latest executive order focusing on immigration enforcement.
The order, set to be signed by the President later this afternoon, directs Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security Noem to compile a list of sanctuary cities that are allegedly obstructing federal immigration laws.
“Simple, obey the law, respect the law, and don’t obstruct Federal immigration officials and law enforcement officials when they are simply trying to remove public safety threats from our nation’s communities,” Homan stated. “The American public doesn’t want illegal alien criminals in their communities. They made that quite clear on November 5th, and this Administration is determined to enforce our nation’s immigration laws.”
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The executive order aims to address concerns regarding local jurisdictions that the administration believes are not cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
During the briefing, questions arose regarding the administration’s stance on various immigration-related issues.
Leavitt clarified the President’s recent comments regarding farm workers, stating that he was referring to the H-1B and H-1A visa programs, emphasizing the importance of a clean and legal immigration system.
“The amount of illegal immigration that we’ve seen over the past four years in our country completely undermines our legal immigration system,” she said.
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Homan addressed concerns about criminal activity by undocumented individuals, particularly focusing on crimes against children.
“I don’t know why it’s sick. So the worst crime in the world is when you sexually abuse a child. I mean the most innocent of us all,” Homan stated, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the removal of individuals who pose public safety and national security threats. He also contrasted the removal numbers under the current administration with those of the previous one, highlighting an increase in focus on apprehending criminal aliens.
A specific incident involving the theft of Secretary Noem’s purse was also addressed. While Homan stated he did not have the individual’s full criminal history, he indicated that the person who allegedly committed the theft was reportedly in the country legally.
He also expressed strong support for Secretary Nome, dismissing any reported differences between them.
Addressing concerns about the morale of ICE and Border Patrol agents, Homan asserted that it was at an “all-time high” due to their ability to enforce the law. “These men and women join the ranks of ICE and Border Patrol to enforce law, make the community safer, and protect National Security,” he said.
Homan concluded his remarks by reading a detailed statement outlining the legal obligations of undocumented individuals, citing specific sections of the U.S. Code. He warned of criminal prosecution and deportation for those who fail to comply with registration and address change requirements, or who resist removal orders. “If you’re in the country illegally, work with ICE. Go to the CBP One app and leave on your own. Because if we have to find you, we’ll prosecute you,” Homan stated.
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