Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan is putting sanctuary city officials on high alert, warning they could face federal charges for harboring illegal immigrants. After the arrests of two judges accused of concealing illegal aliens, Homan made clear that the Trump administration will aggressively enforce immigration laws—even in cities that defy federal policy. During a recent visit to Rochester, the upstate New York native slammed the city’s sanctuary stance and emphasized that shielding illegal immigrants from ICE could lead to felony arrests for public officials.
Homan Puts Sanctuary Cities On Notice
Border Czar Tom Homan delivered a blunt message during his visit to Rochester, urging the mayor and police chief to end sanctuary policies that shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities. “End your sanctuary city policies. And what I mean by that, work with us on public safety threats and national security threats that are in the country illegally,” Homan declared, emphasizing that public safety should be the top priority for local officials.
The former ICE Director, who grew up in West Carthage, New York, made no apologies for his tough stance on illegal immigration. “Absolutely, Rochester is a sanctuary city. They’re proud of it,” Homan stated, adding that “Sanctuary cities are a sanctuary for criminals. Criminals have no sanctuary in this country, not under this president.”
Criminal Consequences for Sanctuary Officials
In a bombshell interview with The Gateway Pundit, Homan signaled that officials who shield illegal aliens from federal authorities could face criminal charges. The warning follows the arrests of judges in New Mexico and Milwaukee County for harboring illegal aliens, actions that are clearly defined as felonies under federal law.
Tom Homan is arguably one of Trumps best picks. pic.twitter.com/rfNrxsF56V
— The Disrespected Trucker (@DisrespectedThe) May 2, 2025
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently issued a memo instructing state agencies not to cooperate with ICE, a move that put him squarely in Homan’s crosshairs. When asked if sanctuary city officials could be arrested, Homan delivered an eyebrow-raising response: “Wait until you see what’s coming. I meant what I said.”
Trump Administration Ready for Aggressive Enforcement
The Department of Justice has already filed lawsuits against Rochester and other sanctuary cities, claiming their policies interfere with federal immigration enforcement. President Trump signed an executive order to list sanctuary jurisdictions that could lose federal funding for non-compliance with immigration laws, showing the administration’s commitment to bringing these cities in line.
“When they cross the line of harboring and concealing, that’s a felony, and we got Pam Bondi now, who won’t hesitate to take action,” Homan warned, referring to Trump’s Attorney General. The Border Czar emphasized that knowingly harboring illegal aliens is a serious federal offense that carries significant penalties, especially if injury or death occurs.
ICE agents operate daily in major upstate New York cities, and Homan has pledged to enforce immigration laws regardless of local sanctuary policies. Despite opposition from Democrat officials like Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and Rep. Joe Morelle, who emphasized local autonomy, the Trump administration appears determined to crack down on sanctuary jurisdictions that shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities.
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Border czar to Rochester: ‘End your sanctuary city policies’