SAN DIEGO – Donald Trump’s initial choices for immigration policy positions have been preparing for this opportunity for several years.
Stephen Miller and Thomas Homan, who played vital roles during Trump’s first administration, firmly advocate for the controversial policies that were implemented, including the separation of numerous families at the border as a deterrent against illegal crossings. With Trump vowing to take extensive action on illegal immigration during a potential second term, these two advisers are expected to contribute significant insights, lessons from past experiences, and personal views to help execute his goals.
After Trump concluded his presidency in 2021, Miller transitioned to the role of president of America First Legal, an organization that has paired up with Republican attorneys general to challenge President Joe Biden’s approach to border management. Meanwhile, Homan, who has had a long-standing career in immigration enforcement, established the Border 911 Foundation Inc., a group that claims to combat what it labels a “border invasion,” showcasing its efforts with a gala event held at Trump’s estate in Florida last April.
Ronald Vitiello, a former Border Patrol chief and acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump, praised Homan for his extensive field knowledge. “He understands the system from multiple angles,” Vitiello noted. Regarding Miller, he commented on Miller’s deep understanding of immigration intricacies and affirmed that he has Trump’s trust.
Trump has pledged to initiate the most extensive deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting an estimated 11 million undocumented individuals in the nation. However, questions linger about the identification process of individuals during such mass raids as well as their subsequent detention.
Both Miller and Homan view illegal immigration as an unequivocal issue and support Trump’s approach of aiming for the deportation of anyone residing in the U.S. without legal status. Throughout his campaign, Trump aggressively criticized illegal immigration and associated the notable rise in unauthorized border crossings with a range of issues, including drug trafficking and rising housing costs. The influx of asylum-seekers and other migrants in various cities has significantly impacted local resources, shifting the political discourse on immigration further rightward. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris even altered her previously held positions on immigration enforcement during her campaign.
Miller, at 39, has a background as a Capitol Hill staffer and gained prominence as a zealous speechwriter for Trump, playing a key role in shaping his immigration policies from 2017 to 2021. His rhetoric often reflects dire warnings about the perceived threats of immigration, targeting both undocumented immigrants and advocating for tighter regulations on legal immigration.
During last month’s rally at Madison Square Garden, Miller proclaimed that Trump was fighting for the preservation of American lives against criminal gangs that might cross the border unchecked. His declaration, “America is for Americans and Americans only,” echoes his longstanding views on immigration.
Homan, 63, was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement at a young age while watching his father serve as a magistrate in their hometown of West Carthage, New York. Starting as a local police officer, he soon joined the Border Patrol in San Diego, where he recalls questioning his career choice. Homan eventually rose to a notable position within ICE, where he was directly involved in the controversial practice of separating children from their parents amidst illegal crossings.
Lee Gelernt, an attorney for the ACLU, highlighted Homan’s substantial role in this practice, which faced severe backlash and legal action aimed at halting it. A court settlement mandates that families cannot be separated until December 2031 as a deterrent strategy against illegal immigration. Despite criticism, Trump has defended the practice, claiming with no substantial evidence that it effectively stopped mass crossings.
Speaking at a recent conference, Homan emphasized national security but warned that no individual who is in the country illegally is immune to deportation. In a past interview, he expressed that he felt justified in deporting individuals with long-standing U.S. presence due to legal infractions. “People think I enjoy this. I have a responsibility,” he remarked, acknowledging the distressing nature of such decisions.
Homan stood his ground during congressional inquiries regarding the “zero tolerance” policy that led to family separations, drawing parallels to law enforcement practices. Critics, however, argued that separations based on criminal cases involving American citizens significantly differ from enforced separations under the “zero tolerance” policy, where many children were placed in separate facilities away from their deported parents.
Unlike other immigration leadership positions that require Senate confirmation, Miller and Homan’s appointments do not necessitate such approval. Thus, they are empowered to execute Trump’s directives through various agencies, which will be tasked with implementing his immigration strategy.
Stephen Miller and Thomas Homan, who played vital roles during Trump’s first administration, firmly advocate for the controversial policies that were implemented, including the separation of numerous families at the border as a deterrent against illegal crossings. With Trump vowing to take extensive action on illegal immigration during a potential second term, these two advisers are expected to contribute significant insights, lessons from past experiences, and personal views to help execute his goals.
After Trump concluded his presidency in 2021, Miller transitioned to the role of president of America First Legal, an organization that has paired up with Republican attorneys general to challenge President Joe Biden’s approach to border management. Meanwhile, Homan, who has had a long-standing career in immigration enforcement, established the Border 911 Foundation Inc., a group that claims to combat what it labels a “border invasion,” showcasing its efforts with a gala event held at Trump’s estate in Florida last April.
Ronald Vitiello, a former Border Patrol chief and acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump, praised Homan for his extensive field knowledge. “He understands the system from multiple angles,” Vitiello noted. Regarding Miller, he commented on Miller’s deep understanding of immigration intricacies and affirmed that he has Trump’s trust.
Trump has pledged to initiate the most extensive deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting an estimated 11 million undocumented individuals in the nation. However, questions linger about the identification process of individuals during such mass raids as well as their subsequent detention.
Both Miller and Homan view illegal immigration as an unequivocal issue and support Trump’s approach of aiming for the deportation of anyone residing in the U.S. without legal status. Throughout his campaign, Trump aggressively criticized illegal immigration and associated the notable rise in unauthorized border crossings with a range of issues, including drug trafficking and rising housing costs. The influx of asylum-seekers and other migrants in various cities has significantly impacted local resources, shifting the political discourse on immigration further rightward. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris even altered her previously held positions on immigration enforcement during her campaign.
Miller, at 39, has a background as a Capitol Hill staffer and gained prominence as a zealous speechwriter for Trump, playing a key role in shaping his immigration policies from 2017 to 2021. His rhetoric often reflects dire warnings about the perceived threats of immigration, targeting both undocumented immigrants and advocating for tighter regulations on legal immigration.
During last month’s rally at Madison Square Garden, Miller proclaimed that Trump was fighting for the preservation of American lives against criminal gangs that might cross the border unchecked. His declaration, “America is for Americans and Americans only,” echoes his longstanding views on immigration.
Homan, 63, was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement at a young age while watching his father serve as a magistrate in their hometown of West Carthage, New York. Starting as a local police officer, he soon joined the Border Patrol in San Diego, where he recalls questioning his career choice. Homan eventually rose to a notable position within ICE, where he was directly involved in the controversial practice of separating children from their parents amidst illegal crossings.
Lee Gelernt, an attorney for the ACLU, highlighted Homan’s substantial role in this practice, which faced severe backlash and legal action aimed at halting it. A court settlement mandates that families cannot be separated until December 2031 as a deterrent strategy against illegal immigration. Despite criticism, Trump has defended the practice, claiming with no substantial evidence that it effectively stopped mass crossings.
Speaking at a recent conference, Homan emphasized national security but warned that no individual who is in the country illegally is immune to deportation. In a past interview, he expressed that he felt justified in deporting individuals with long-standing U.S. presence due to legal infractions. “People think I enjoy this. I have a responsibility,” he remarked, acknowledging the distressing nature of such decisions.
Homan stood his ground during congressional inquiries regarding the “zero tolerance” policy that led to family separations, drawing parallels to law enforcement practices. Critics, however, argued that separations based on criminal cases involving American citizens significantly differ from enforced separations under the “zero tolerance” policy, where many children were placed in separate facilities away from their deported parents.
Unlike other immigration leadership positions that require Senate confirmation, Miller and Homan’s appointments do not necessitate such approval. Thus, they are empowered to execute Trump’s directives through various agencies, which will be tasked with implementing his immigration strategy.