TUKWILA, Wash. — As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration in 69 days, immigration reform remains one of his key priorities. This week, Trump appointed Tom Homan as his “border czar,” raising concerns among immigrant communities across the country.
Homan, who led U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as acting director from January 2017 to June 2018, is known for his tough stance on immigration. He played a key role in the controversial family separation policy during Trump’s first term.
“This is the biggest national security vulnerability this nation has seen since 9/11,” Homan said.
In Tukwila, the Riverton Park United Methodist Church has been providing sanctuary and support to thousands of asylum seekers since December 2022. Pastor Jan Bolerjack expressed concern about Trump’s hardline immigration policies under Homan’s leadership.
“I’m feeling very anxious about what’s going to happen with this administration and how it’s going to affect my people here,” said Bolerjack.
The church has offered shelter to approximately 2,500 families, including women and children, who arrived seeking food and safety. Many of these families have started new lives in the area, with children enrolled in local schools and parents receiving work permits.
“The families arrive scared and unsure of how to navigate their new environment,” Bolerjack explained. “We help them get settled.”
Currently, the sanctuary houses around 70 people and serves hundreds more who come to eat, cook, and receive mail. Many of the immigrants are from Angola, Congo, and Venezuela.
Bolerjack fears the new administration’s approach will further harm these vulnerable families. “These beautiful families are going to be further victimized and traumatized,” she said. “It’s inhumane. It’s not American.”
Trump’s appointment of Homan signals a potential return to aggressive immigration enforcement policies. Homan has vowed to carry out targeted deportations and aims to deport families together, a stance that has sparked backlash from advocates in states like Washington, which has long championed immigrant rights.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) denounced Homan’s appointment, describing him and former Trump advisor Stephen Miller as the “architects of horrific immigration policies.”
“We’re going to have to figure out how we fight that best,” Jayapal said.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, who was recently re-elected, has pledged to resist any federal actions targeting immigrant families in the state.
Amid growing anxiety, Bolerjack has invited Homan to visit the church and meet the families he might deport. Her primary concern is their safety once they leave the church’s protection.
An informational session has been scheduled for Friday, November 15, at 5:00 p.m. to help immigrant families understand their rights and what changes they may face under the new administration. The session will be held via Zoom.
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- Trump Is Filling His White House with Hardline Immigration Advocates
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- Trump’s New Border Czar, Tom Homan, Unveils Bold Immigration Strategy
