| Published April 29, 2025
Tom Homan, serving as President Donald Trump’s border czar, delivered a pointed message to public officials, including judges, who interfere with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. Speaking at a White House press briefing, Homan emphasized that individuals obstructing ICE would face consequences, stating, “You don’t have to support ICE’s operations… But when you cross that line to impediment or knowingly harboring… an illegal alien from ICE, you will be prosecuted. Judge or not” .
This warning follows the recent arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan. Judge Dugan was charged with obstruction after allegedly assisting an undocumented immigrant in evading ICE agents by directing him through a private exit in her courtroom . The incident has intensified debates over the role of local officials in federal immigration enforcement.
Officials or judges knowingly harboring illegal immigrants “will be prosecuted,” President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, warned on Monday.
“So I said from day one, you don’t have to support ICE’s [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] operations. You can support sanctuary cities if that’s what you desire to do,” Homan said, explaining that sanctuary cities must “stand aside and watch ICE keep their communities safe.” Further, Homan expressed confusion over these pro-sanctuary officials and judges, as their number one priority should be protecting their communities — not harboring dangerous illegal immigrants who do not belong in the country.
“Any public official — your mayor, city councilman or governor — their number one responsibility is protection of the communities,” he said, explaining that ICE has been crystal clear in who it is targeting.
“We’re targeting public safety threats and national security threats,” Homan said. “I can’t believe there’s any elected official — and especially a judge — that doesn’t believe we should be doing that, and they should be helping us.”
But since there are, unfortunately, officials who seemingly place illegal aliens over citizens, Homan issued a clear warning.
“But I said in day one. You can sit aside and watch again. You can argue against us. … protest all you want, but when you cross that line — I’ve said this one thousand times — when you cross that line to impediment or knowingly harboring or concealing an illegal alien migrant, you will be prosecuted — judge or not,” Homan said.
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His remarks coincide with actions President Donald Trump is set to take on Monday, signing two new immigration executive orders, one of which will establish a list of cities or states — in other words, sanctuary cities — refusing to comply with federal immigration law.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, “It will direct the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to publish a list of state and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws.”
Homan’s remarks align with the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement strategy. Coinciding with the administration’s 100th day, President Trump signed executive orders targeting sanctuary cities and bolstering law enforcement protections . Additionally, Homan announced that undocumented immigrants failing to comply with Department of Homeland Security requirements would now face prosecution and daily fines .
The administration’s aggressive stance has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates, who argue that such measures may undermine due process and community trust. Nonetheless, Homan and the administration maintain that strict enforcement is essential for national security and upholding the rule of law.
As the administration continues to implement its immigration policies, the tension between federal authority and local jurisdictions is expected to remain a contentious issue in the national discourse.
Here are the implications of Tom Homan’s warning from a broader perspective:
1. Increased Pressure on Judges and Local Officials
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Local and state officials — including judges — who attempt to obstruct federal immigration enforcement may now face criminal prosecution.
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It sends a clear signal that federal immigration laws will be enforced more aggressively, even against officials traditionally seen as protected by legal immunity.
2. Strengthening Federal Authority Over Immigration
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The Trump administration is reasserting strong federal control over immigration, directly challenging “sanctuary policies” and local non-cooperation practices.
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This could lead to a significant rollback of sanctuary protections in cities and counties that oppose ICE operations.
3. Chilling Effect on Judicial and Local Actions
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Judges and public servants may become more cautious in dealing with immigration cases for fear of prosecution.
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Critics argue this could undermine judicial independence and discretion, particularly in sensitive humanitarian cases.
4. Further Polarization Between Federal and Local Governments
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The crackdown could intensify conflicts between conservative federal officials and liberal city or state governments, especially in places like California, New York, and Wisconsin.
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Legal battles are likely, with cities and advocacy groups challenging prosecutions on constitutional grounds.
5. Boost to Trump’s Immigration Credentials Among Conservatives
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This strong action is likely to be very popular among Trump’s base, who have consistently demanded tougher immigration enforcement and accountability for officials seen as obstructing federal law.
6. Civil Liberties Concerns
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Civil rights groups will likely argue that prosecuting judges and officials for discretionary decisions infringes on free speech, due process, and the separation of powers.
Overall Takeaway
Tom Homan’s warning represents a major escalation in the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration enforcement resistance. It signals that no one — not even judges — is above federal immigration law when it comes to aiding or protecting undocumented immigrants.
From a conservative perspective, this move strengthens the rule of law, reinforces national sovereignty, and sends a message that obstructing ICE will not be tolerated. However, it also risks deepening political and legal clashes between the federal government and local jurisdictions, and it raises civil liberties concerns that could trigger court challenges.
Overall, this aggressive stance is poised to energize immigration hardliners while setting the stage for intense legal and political battles over the balance of power between Washington, D.C., and local governments.
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