Tom Homan, a key figure in border policy at the White House, indicated on Wednesday that the Trump administration is looking into possible adjustments to immigration enforcement rules, particularly regarding workers in the agriculture and hospitality sectors.
During an interview with NewsNation, Homan mentioned that discussions are underway within the White House about various policy options and hinted that an official announcement could be forthcoming soon.
“I know that the Department of Labor, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Agriculture are currently in talks about potential policy changes,” Homan stated. “The president is dedicated. There won’t be any amnesty, but there are many smart people in the White House considering options for farm workers and hospitality.”
“So, it’ll be interesting to see what comes of it,” he added. “People are engaged in conversation about what might be done, and I have some insight into those discussions.”
Homan made clear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be tasked with implementing any policies determined by the President.
“I’m not going to speculate beyond what the president decides,” he said. “I can tell you I have worked under six different presidents… my job is to operate within the framework set by the administration.”
“When the president outlines a policy on farm workers, ICE will follow that directive,” he continued.
The Trump administration has sent mixed signals regarding its approach to immigration raids that impact farms and immigrant workers. Recently, Trump unveiled a new initiative aimed at supporting the agriculture sector, responding to concerns from the industry who say deportation efforts have been harmful to their operations. Many farms depend on migrant labor, including those without legal status.
While the initiative did not include “pardons,” as emphasized by Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, specifics about the program were sparse.
“There’s no pardon,” Trump reiterated. “We’re targeting criminals, but we’re implementing a work program.”
He then turned to Rollins for a further explanation, to which she assured that farmers would be protected and that the necessary labor would be ensured, but no pardons would be provided.
Trump explained, “We’re able to supply farmers with the labor they need, but that doesn’t include pardons.”
Earlier this month, Trump praised farmers who utilize workers without legal status, claiming “they know better” during a “salute” event in Des Moines, Iowa.
He also indicated in his speech that the administration is actively working on laws to manage the status of certain immigrants, allowing them to continue working on farms without having to formally reside in the country.
Last month, Trump acknowledged the worries voiced by the agriculture and hospitality sectors over his administration’s immigration policies being detrimental to their businesses.
However, shortly after, there seemed to be a shift in the administration’s stance.
