The Department of Homeland Security has been actively checking for undocumented immigrants, but Border Patrol agent Tom Homan expressed a desire for increased efforts, communicating this during a conversation with the Center for Immigration Studies.
During the discussion on July 16th, Homan echoed the remarks of CIS Director Mark Krikorian.
We definitely need to intensify enforcement measures. This isn’t just about apprehending undocumented individuals who may drive wages down for American workers or undermine legitimate businesses; it’s also about the fact that they don’t belong here.
“We’re aware of the issues surrounding human trafficking and forced labor, but where do we typically find the majority of victims? In the workforce!” Homan added.
However, Krikorian stated that ICE has shown minimal enforcement presence due to significant pushback from employers and investors, saying, “There’s a lack of action on that front.”
“The field must play a crucial role,” Homan continued, emphasizing:
We had a conference call today regarding the current situation. There’s movement, but I still want more. I just got an update this morning.
Homan mentioned that violations in the workplace could lead to ICE apprehensions: “If you break the law at work, you won’t escape prosecution.”
Other agencies are quietly utilizing their authority to make life difficult for immigrants by removing them from homes, blocking access to bank accounts, loans, schools, and welfare programs.
Interestingly, some business groups are collaborating with progressive entities in an effort to minimize deportations of low-wage immigrant workers, which in turn affects American wages.
For instance, on July 12, a report by Politico revealed that Texas construction employers publicly requested a reduction in the detention and deportation of foreign workers:
Benny Melendez, who voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, has found it increasingly challenging to manage his small construction business in South Texas since Trump’s return to the presidency. He reported that immigration officials have detained workers both at their jobs and while operating company vehicles, resulting in over 10 deportations since early 2025.
“The environment of fear and confusion is paralyzing,” remarked Javier Palomares, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Business Council. “For a small business with a handful of employees, losing even one person can severely impact morale and instill fear among the owners.”
The Politico piece notably lacked any insights on the benefits related to enforcement for either employers or voters.
As for construction workers in Texas, their wages have typically fallen below the national average, partly due to the tacit acceptance of immigrant labor by politicians. However, with the implementation of stricter laws under President Trump, wages seem to be on the rise. “I’ve been in construction for over two decades, and I cannot remember a time when the job market was this competitive,” one worker commented.
According to the BLS Current Employment Statistics Program, in February 2026, non-production and non-supervisory construction workers earned an average of $36.84 per hour—up 4.1 percent compared to the previous year. This increase also outpaced inflation for the third consecutive year.
Roofing jobs, once among the lowest-paying, saw a year-on-year wage growth of 4.9%, with hourly pay reaching $28.40 nationwide. The labor supply in the roofing sector is tightening as younger workers opt for more technical jobs, forcing those who remain to demand higher wages.
The largest wage increase—5.1%—occurred for laborers, reaching $24.80 hourly. This is surprising to those who believe civilian labor is abundant. The math doesn’t seem to add up, especially when considering the ongoing construction labor shortage.
“Jobs in electrical, mechanical, industrial, and infrastructure sectors are now appealing due to better wages, steady demand, and quicker training opportunities,” another report noted.
This labor crisis is compelling contractors to actively seek and train American workers, promising higher pay for those enrolled in construction certification programs—potentially earning around $50,000 more than their non-enrolled counterparts.
Homan warned that without enforcement, Americans could face layoffs as companies look to cut costs by employing cheaper immigrant labor.
I recall when I needed a new roof; I called multiple companies to find one that assured legal labor. Eventually, someone came and assessed the damage, indicating a total replacement was necessary. When I learned he owned a roofing company himself, he mentioned despite hiring nearly 20 American workers, his business was struggling. Other firms were paying undocumented workers far less, causing him to lose bids. Ultimately, he had to let those American workers go to stay afloat.
This scenario is all too common across the nation, further illustrating the need for solid enforcement.
“It’s vital to protect American workers and continue pushing wages upward,” Homan concluded.
