White House “border czar” Tom Homan said the administration will continue its immigration enforcement efforts despite Pam Bondi’s departure from the attorney general’s office.
Homan joined “The Will Cain Show” Thursday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of Bondi’s firing to discuss the Cabinet shakeup, and how he expects her replacement won’t “skip a beat.”
“The president’s already set the priorities on immigration enforcement,” Homan said.
“You’re [going to] see arrests go up. You’re [going to] see more worksite enforcement operations coming. So you’re [going to] see a ramp-up in immigration enforcement in this country,” he added.
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Trump confirmed Bondi’s exit Thursday on Truth Social, saying she would be “transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector.” She had been a key figure in implementing the president’s agenda to remove illegal immigrants with criminal records.
“I wish Pam Bondi the best, and I think Todd Blanche will step up. Won’t skip a beat. I think they’ll keep that train on the track. We’ll keep moving forward,” he said of Blanche, now serving as acting attorney general.
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Homan said he was not “in the loop” on Bondi leaving, but said he has her personal cell phone number and that they speak “quite a bit.”
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Bondi’s departure comes only weeks after Kristi Noem was asked to leave her post as Homeland Security Secretary. She was replaced by former Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who took over the department late last month.
Despite the staff shakeups, Homan said the administration’s message is reaching its intended audience.
“They know there’s no free ride here anymore. They know there is no catch and release. They know that if you happen to get by the Border Patrol, we’re looking for you,” he said.
The administration’s immigration enforcement strategy has faced criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups in recent months. Earlier this year, protests erupted in Minnesota after federal agents killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during operations.
