Tom Homan, the White House border czar, has expressed strong criticism of Virginia’s new Democratic governor, Abigail Spanberger, following her swift reversal of her predecessor’s immigration policies shortly after taking office on January 17. Homan’s remarks come in the wake of Spanberger’s signing of Executive Order 10, which limits the cooperation of state and local law enforcement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Homan recalled Spanberger’s campaign promises, which included a commitment to law enforcement and the protection of vulnerable children, particularly those at risk of sex trafficking. “She portrayed herself as a law enforcement officer,” Homan stated on the “Ruthless” podcast. “But the first day in office, she stopped being a law enforcement officer and became a politician.” He emphasized the dissonance between her campaign messaging and her recent decisions, questioning where the advocacy for law enforcement had gone.
Spanberger’s administration has countered that her executive order does not impede federal law enforcement from enforcing immigration laws but rather aims to conserve local resources. Homan, however, remains skeptical, expressing concern that such policies hinder the mission to apprehend criminal aliens and protect children from exploitation. He reiterated the ongoing efforts to find missing children, highlighting that under the previous administration, substantial progress had been made.
Despite expressing disappointment about the new direction in Virginia’s immigration management, Homan conveyed that his team would adapt and continue operations in states that are often uncooperative with ICE, such as New York, California, and Illinois. He stressed the importance of collaboration with local law enforcement to effectively address public safety concerns and the presence of undocumented individuals who pose threats to communities.
Furthermore, Homan labeled “sanctuary cities” as hazards to public safety, promising that his efforts to reach these locations would persist regardless of local policies. The reaction to Spanberger’s early executive actions has been largely negative from conservative factions, with some describing her as akin to a “Bond villain” and a “White Witch,” signifying deep discontent with her progressive agenda.
During her first few days in office, Spanberger issued several executive orders not only related to immigration but also encompassing environmental policies and non-discrimination measures. Critics argue these initiatives reflect a sudden shift toward leftist policies, prompting a backlash from conservative groups who worry about the implications for governance in Virginia.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how Spanberger’s administration will navigate these significant challenges, as the dialogue surrounding her policies evolves. Homan’s staunch commitment to ICE’s mission highlights the contrasting views between state and federal approaches to immigration enforcement, underscoring the complexities of governance amidst desired change.