On a recent episode of Fox News Channel’s “Your World,” former Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz expressed optimism regarding the appointment of Tom Homan as the new Border Czar in the Biden administration. Ortiz highlighted that during his tenure, one significant challenge was the lack of engagement from policy officials and the White House on border security matters. He contrasted this with Homan’s expected approach, emphasizing that Homan will actively engage with the Border Patrol and other agencies responsible for immigration enforcement. Ortiz believes that Homan’s leadership represents a critical shift towards prioritizing border security and national security, addressing the extensive challenges faced in recent years.
Ortiz conveyed that Homan’s selection signals the administration’s seriousness about addressing border issues. He expects Homan to adopt a proactive approach by directly collaborating with law enforcement personnel and understanding their practical needs. This hands-on involvement is seen as essential in tackling the ongoing border crisis, which Ortiz attributes to ineffective policies and a lack of coordinated action. By engaging directly with enforcement agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol, Homan is positioned to foster better communication lines and operational effectiveness.
Furthermore, Ortiz anticipates that Homan will work alongside the State Department to facilitate deportation flights to countries that have been difficult to deport individuals to historically. He suggested that this could be enhanced by the proposed appointment of Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. Ortiz underscored the importance of establishing a clear mechanism for deporting individuals who do not qualify for immigration benefits, indicating that this has been a persistent hurdle for the enforcement agencies. Homan’s leadership is expected to address these challenges, enabling a more structured approach to immigration enforcement.
In detailing the complexities of workplace enforcement, Ortiz noted the prevalent neglect of existing laws and procedures that allow undocumented migrants to work in various sectors without repercussions. He expressed hope that under Homan’s guidance, more companies would adhere to immigration laws, strengthening compliance across industries. Ortiz asserted that there are sufficient policies in place to govern immigration; the key to addressing the situation lies in rigorous enforcement and accountability.
Moreover, Ortiz highlighted the critical need for a balanced approach involving adequate personnel, advanced technology, and robust infrastructure at the border. He pointed out that numerous resources, including steel materials intended for border security projects, are currently unused and degrading. He underscored the importance of resuming and completing vital projects that had been stalled over recent years, which could significantly enhance border security capabilities. Ortiz’s remarks reflect a broader understanding of the multi-faceted approach required to effectively mitigate border-related challenges.
In conclusion, Ortiz’s insights into Tom Homan’s potential impact as Border Czar illustrate a shift towards a more engaged and operationally focused strategy in immigration enforcement. With an emphasis on collaboration between border agencies and policymaking bodies, along with a commitment to rule enforcement in workplaces, the administration appears poised to address long-standing challenges more effectively. Ortiz is optimistic that with the right leadership, resources, and infrastructure enhancements, the prospects for a more secure and orderly border situation can be realized, marking a significant turnaround in U.S. border policy and national security.
