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Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” has made it clear he intends to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, with or without local cooperation. However, Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker is now pushing back, questioning Homan’s “authority” and vowing not to support Trump’s efforts within his state.
According to Politico, Pritzker noted that Homan’s role doesn’t require Senate confirmation, making it an informal position within the administration. “Being a border czar is not an official position in the government, and it will be up to the President of the United States and up to the leaders of the Customs and Border Patrol to make decisions about how we’ll manage the border,” Pritzker stated.
Trump’s campaign promises included aggressive mass deportations, and he has floated controversial ideas, such as using the military or National Guard troops to assist. While Republican-led states have expressed support, Pritzker made it clear Illinois would not comply.
“I do not believe that we should be pitting one state’s National Guard against another state. I think that’s un-American,” Pritzker told Politico. He also emphasized he would not authorize Illinois National Guard involvement nor permit National Guard forces from other states to enter Illinois for deportation operations.
Trump’s plans face additional hurdles beyond resistance from Democratic governors. The Washington Post reported that nearly half of the estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants facing deportation are effectively unreachable. Reasons include home countries refusing to accept deportees, individuals being incarcerated, or reprieves granted by judges for medical and humanitarian concerns.
Additionally, some planes required for deportation are already committed to military use. Pritzker’s remarks came after Homan criticized him and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during a Republican event in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs.
Homan, frustrated with resistance from Illinois leadership, didn’t hold back: “Chicago’s in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks.” He added, “If he doesn’t want to help, get the hell out of the way.” Mayor Johnson, like Pritzker, has refused to cooperate with any Trump administration immigration roundups in Chicago.
Homan’s blunt rhetoric and Trump’s sweeping plans are already setting the stage for an intense political and legal showdown. As governors like Pritzker push back, the administration’s deportation strategy faces significant headwinds in Democratic-led states.
