Tom Homan, designated to be Donald Trump's new border czar, has embarked on an initiative to negotiate with foreign nations willing to house deported migrants whom their native countries refuse to accept.
The Daily Mail reported that these initiatives form a part of the broader strategy pledged by Trump to significantly escalate deportations, though challenges abound due to restricted resources and funding.
The strategy aims to develop agreements with third countries, providing sanctuary to deported individuals denied entry by their original countries.
Homan, who is poised to step into his role by January 20, has already commenced conversations with potential host countries. Nations such as Turks and Caicos, Panama, and Grenada were approached for possible collaborations. However, the Bahamas has dismissed any involvement in this effort.
The foundation of Homan's plan is reminiscent of an arrangement once explored by the United Kingdom with Rwanda. Despite these inspirations, that agreement encountered legal disputes and was eventually halted by the Labour government under Keir Starmer's leadership.
Even as Homan undertakes these negotiations, echoes of past opposition linger. In 2019, a similar strategy proposed by Trump faced criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union and other immigrant rights groups, which raised concerns about potential risks to vulnerable migrants relocated to unfamiliar territories.
Homan has outlined three principal objectives that he, in partnership with Trump, intends to execute. These include securing the national borders, initiating a wide-ranging deportation drive, and locating approximately 300,000 undocumented children reportedly missing.
Each of these objectives carries its own set of challenges. Homan acknowledges the inherent difficulties in amplifying deportation capabilities, particularly citing the constraints of current detention facilities. Recognizing that each occupied bed could detain an individual for as long as 30 days, Homan underscores the complexity of the situation.
To match the logistical requirements of Trump's deportation agenda, Homan is advocating for increased financial support from Congress. He estimates a starting budget of $86 billion is necessary to expand detention capabilities and cover other operational expenses.
He notes that the deportation process is fraught with procedural formalities. According to Homan, factors such as the need for travel documents, acquiring landing rights, and securing admissions from home countries can significantly delay proceedings.
Homan remains confident that the political climate, especially insights drawn from the recent November elections, will push Congress towards promptly backing these efforts financially. He emphasizes the need for prompt allocation of resources, urging Congress to heed the perceived demand from the American populace.
A persistent theme in Homan's dialogues is the urgency for funding. Homan is not hesitant in expressing his stance, stating that every public interview serves as an opportunity to reinforce the message regarding financial necessities.
Among potential third-party hosts for deported migrants, Guatemala has shown a tentative willingness to engage in discussions. Comments from a Guatemalan government official, as reported by Reuters, indicate a possible interest in cooperating with the proposed agreements.
Despite these discussions, Homan stresses the ongoing nature of these negotiations. Until formal agreements are established, Homan refrains from taking any preliminary credit for these potential arrangements.
Homan's preemptive actions symbolize efforts to accelerate the transition process well before Trump assumes office later this month. "Everything changes on January 20," Homan notes, reflecting optimism for an evolved approach to managing border security and deportation.
The notion of using third countries to handle deportations also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics. As Homan dialogues with various nations, each represents unique geopolitical and economic considerations influencing potential collaboration.
Throughout his statements, Homan repeatedly highlights the complexities of the deportation process. Using an illustrative example, he describes the procedural hurdles faced when deporting a criminal to his native El Salvador, underscoring the need for operational tact and patience.
Homan consistently points to limited resources as a principal challenge. Recognizing the constraints within the existing infrastructure, he highlights his commitment to maximizing efforts fully within these confines.
