Tom Homan Leads ICE Surge in New York City Over Sanctuary Policies

Border Czar Announces Increased Enforcement in NYC

White House Border Czar Tom Homan has declared a significant ramp-up of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in New York City, targeting the area due to its sanctuary city status. Homan made the announcement during an interview on Fox News's 'America's Newsroom,' emphasizing the need to address public safety threats. He stated, 'I plan on being in New York City in the near future. We're going to do operations in New York City.'

This move comes just a month after a high-profile ICE raid targeting Manhattan street vendors turned chaotic when agents were swarmed by protestors. Homan's focus remains on prioritizing the most dangerous individuals, ensuring that federal resources are directed toward those posing the greatest risk to communities. His commitment to public safety is clear as he plans to personally oversee operations in the city.

Sanctuary City Policies Under Scrutiny

New York City's designation as a sanctuary city, which limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities, has drawn sharp attention from the Trump administration. Homan has repeatedly highlighted the challenges these policies create for ICE, noting that they allow public safety threats to remain on the streets. He reiterated during his November 18 interview, 'We will increase the enforcement presence in New York City, again, because they're a sanctuary city and we know we have an issue there with public safety threats hitting the street every day.'

The timing of this surge is notable, as it precedes the inauguration of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on January 1, 2026. Homan and federal officials are determined to establish a strong presence, signaling that sanctuary policies will not hinder their mission to protect American citizens from criminal elements.

The administration's stance, under President Donald J. Trump, remains firm in supporting ICE's efforts to uphold immigration laws. This operation is seen as a necessary step to ensure that local policies do not undermine federal authority when it comes to safeguarding communities.

Ongoing Operations and Future Plans

ICE teams are already active in New York City, according to Homan, who noted during his interview, 'We're already there now—teams are there now. But we will be increasing enforcement in NYC because they are a sanctuary city.' This indicates a layered approach, building on existing operations to create a more robust federal presence in the area.

Homan's pledge to 'flood the zone' with additional agents underscores the administration's resolve to tackle the challenges posed by sanctuary jurisdictions. While specific details on the number of agents or exact timelines for the surge were not disclosed, the message is clear: federal immigration enforcement will not be deterred by local resistance. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to prioritizing the safety of American citizens through targeted and determined action.