Tom Homan criticizes calls to abolish ICE amidst record border enforcement
Tom Homan, the Border Patrol Commissioner, has pushed back against progressive calls to dismantle the Border Patrol, especially as enforcement operations hit historic highs. He pointed out that arrests and deportations are at record levels, noting that 70% of those detained are convicted criminals. Homan also stressed ICE’s vital role in saving over 150,000 children from smuggling and cautioned against the risks tied to eliminating the agency.
In a related incident, an undocumented immigrant wanted for aggravated murder in Brazil was detained by Massachusetts ICE just two days before Democratic Governor Maura Healey enacted a law that limits ICE’s activities in the state.
Maicon Souto dos Reis, aged 54, was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison in Brazil after being convicted of aggravated murder. A warrant for his arrest was issued shortly after. He allegedly entered the U.S. illegally by crossing the Mexico border in June 2024 and was apprehended, but was subsequently released under policies from the Biden administration.
“This serves as a reminder that many individuals portrayed in the media as non-criminals actually have serious criminal backgrounds, including murderers and sex offenders. They may lack a criminal history in the U.S., but that doesn’t change their past,” said David Wessling, acting head of ICE’s Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations.
The arrest occurred on August 3, right before the enactment of the new law on August 5, which restricts ICE’s presence at courthouses, schools, and hospitals, among other places. The Protection Act also aims to bolster protections for detained or deported parents and ban new 287(g) agreements.
Healey stated in her August 5 announcement, “The Protect Act represents the strongest legal framework in the nation to shield citizens from ICE. No one should live in fear of sending their children to school or seeking medical care.” She expressed commitment to making Massachusetts safer for all, indicating that ICE’s presence diminishes safety.
Dos Reis initially came under ICE’s radar after being arrested in May for driving without a license in Southborough. The agency described Massachusetts as a challenging jurisdiction for federal officials due to local immigration policies that hinder efforts to apprehend immigrant criminals.
While details concerning the aggravated murder case in Brazil remain unspecified, Dos Reis is currently detained by ICE as his deportation process unfolds.
ICE reiterated through a release that recent actions aim to safeguard legal residents and emphasized that those who enter illegally and violate laws will face consequences, affirming their commitment to ensuring that such individuals are apprehended and deported.
