The U.S. government will continue to conduct immigration raids at workplaces – such as farms, hotels, restaurants and construction sites – but now with a commitment to prioritize the detention of immigrants with criminal records, Tom Homan, known as the “border czar,” confirmed Thursday, June 19.
“The message is clear: we will continue to do these workplace operations, but with a priority focus. Criminals come first,” Homan told a press conference in Washington.
Trump maintains policy, but nuances approach
President Donald Trump had hinted last weekend that he might ease labor raids.
This after hearing the concerns of agricultural, hotel and leisure sector leaders, who fear a massive loss of labor.
However, just a few days later, the president ratified that his “very aggressive” immigration policy will be maintained, although he acknowledged that certain sectors are being affected:
“We must protect our farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT of the U.S. Changes are coming!” he wrote on his Social Truth network.
Who is ICE looking for?
According to Tom Homan, ICE operations at workplaces are focused primarily on immigrants with criminal records such as:
Trafficking in persons
Forced labor
Tax fraud
Tax evasion
“It’s not just about going to any random workplace. We’re looking for those who pose a real risk first,” Homan clarified.
Concern in the field and industry
When asked about complaints from farmers – who rely heavily on immigrant workers – Homan responded:
“There are right and wrong ways to hire workers,” stressing that the government will not change its approach to irregular hiring.
The comment responds to fears that the immigration policy will affect the already battered U.S. agricultural sector, where a large part of the labor force is of immigrant origin, many without legal status.
In the spotlight: sanctuary cities
In addition, Homan confirmed that the Trump administration is currently focusing more resources on sanctuary cities, those jurisdictions that limit their cooperation with ICE.
“That’s where the problem is,” he asserted.
“These cities release immigrants knowing that it poses a risk to public safety,” he added.
In contrast, Homan praised states like Florida, where “most sheriffs accept our warrants and turn the illegal alien over to us.”
For this reason, he insisted, “we must concentrate where we know that (local authorities) leave them free in the streets”.
What does this mean for immigrants in the US?
Buzzy
For the Latino community in the United States – especially in states with more restrictive immigration laws or in cities where ICE has strengthened its presence – these statements indicate that labor raids will continue to be active in the coming months.
Although priority will be given to apprehending criminals, the fear of being exposed in operations remains high in many sectors of the economy, where immigrant labor is key.
It's not just about going to any workplace. We first look for those who pose a real risk
