The Trump administration has long been vocal about its efforts to address illegal immigration and the crime associated with it. Under the leadership of Tom Homan, a seasoned law enforcement officer and former acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the administration has taken a hard-line approach toward illegal immigration. As the current border czar, Homan continues to crack down on criminal activity stemming from illegal aliens, recently revealing alarming findings that underscore the gravity of the issue.
In a press release from ICE, Homan confirmed that eighteen criminal illegal aliens had been apprehended as part of a multi-agency operation targeting immigration-related identity theft. The charges were the result of a thorough investigation led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa, in collaboration with several federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the Social Security Administration, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The arrested individuals face a series of serious charges, including aggravated identity theft, misuse of Social Security numbers, and false statements regarding citizenship — all with the intent to illegally secure employment.
The Deepening Crisis: Criminal Alien Activity
The individuals arrested in this operation come from various countries, primarily from Central America, highlighting the ongoing influx of illegal immigrants through the U.S.-Mexico border. The charges against them reflect not only the criminal activities that have been facilitated by illegal immigration but also the broader security risks posed by individuals who exploit the system for financial gain.
Here is a breakdown of those apprehended:
Luvin Daniel Hernandez Amador, Elvin Donahel Hernandez Amador, and several other individuals, mostly from Honduras, were indicted on charges between 2023 and 2025 for identity theft, illegal use of Social Security numbers, and fraudulent statements to gain unauthorized employment.
Erlin Maradiaga-Flores, who pled guilty to aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to two years in federal prison in October 2024.
Cristian Daniel Diaz-Garcia, another Honduran national, is set for trial in April 2025.
These cases, Homan explained, are a product of an increasingly sophisticated network of illegal aliens who have found ways to exploit America’s immigration system for personal gain. Federal agencies are now working together to dismantle these illegal operations and to prevent the further damage that criminal activities, such as identity theft and financial fraud, can inflict on American citizens and the broader economy.
Homan’s Stark Warning: Criminal Aliens Under Fire
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February 2025, Homan issued a strong warning to illegal aliens involved in criminal activities. He emphasized that every criminal alien — including members of notorious gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua — would face consequences, promising to eradicate them from the United States.
Homan’s comments come in the wake of a massive reduction in the number of illegal immigrant “gotaways” — those who manage to cross the border without being apprehended. In 2023, the number of gotaways was reported to be around 1,800 per day. However, by February 2025, that number had plummeted by 95%, with only 48 individuals evading capture on a given day.
We had about 1,800 a day in 2023. You know how many we had yesterday? Forty-eight,” Homan said during his CPAC speech. “You’re talking about 2,000 miles of border, and only 48 people escaped. But that’s 48 too many. I’m not going to be happy till that number’s zero.”
This dramatic reduction is a direct result of the Trump administration’s border security initiatives, including the construction of border walls, increased border patrol efforts, and more stringent immigration policies. Homan’s confidence in the success of these measures shows a renewed sense of optimism among Trump’s supporters that the administration is indeed succeeding in its goal of securing the border.
A Direct Assault on Criminal Organizations
Homan’s remarks also made it clear that the Trump administration is intensifying its efforts against criminal organizations operating within the United States. Specifically, he singled out two foreign terrorist organizations: MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, both of which have been involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other forms of organized crime. Under the Trump administration’s strategy, these groups are being treated as serious national security threats and are being targeted for eradication.
MS-13, a gang originally from El Salvador, has long been a focus of U.S. law enforcement due to its extensive criminal activity in the United States, particularly in California and New York. Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal gang, has grown increasingly influential in the U.S. and has been linked to a wide range of criminal activities, including trafficking in drugs, weapons, and humans. Both groups have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the Trump administration, signaling the level of threat they pose.
Homan went on to issue a stark message to anyone assisting these criminal gangs or cartels: “If you are helping these cartels in any way, you are helping a terrorist organization.” This call to action is a clear indication of how the Trump administration views these criminal entities not merely as gangs, but as direct threats to national security.
The Role of Blue Cities in Immigration Enforcement
A key point in Homan’s speech was the blistering criticism aimed at blue cities and states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. These so-called sanctuary cities have been accused of sheltering illegal immigrants by shielding them from deportation, even when they have been involved in criminal activities.
Homan specifically pointed out the issue of non-cooperation, stating that sanctuary policies in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles have only exacerbated the problem. These cities, where local law enforcement often does not share immigration status information with ICE, have become safe havens for criminal illegal aliens. Homan’s statement serves as a direct challenge to these jurisdictions, urging them to reconsider their stance on immigration enforcement.
“We will continue to hold those sanctuary cities accountable,” Homan said. “These cities are putting the safety of their citizens at risk by refusing to cooperate with ICE and shielding criminal illegal aliens who prey on innocent people.”
The Trump Administration’s Border Policies in 2025
The issue of border security remains one of the Trump administration’s top priorities heading into the 2024 presidential election, with a renewed focus on cracking down on illegal immigration and the crime it fuels. This commitment is underscored by the administration’s ongoing efforts to reinforce border security, enhance the capacity of border patrol agents, and expand efforts to address the root causes of illegal immigration.
One of the cornerstones of Trump’s border strategy is the construction of a physical wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite setbacks and legal challenges, the administration has continued to push forward with this project, claiming that the wall is a critical barrier to preventing the flow of illegal immigrants and criminal organizations into the U.S.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the administration has implemented new policies aimed at dismantling human trafficking networks and cracking down on the illegal drug trade. These efforts are viewed by many in the Trump administration as necessary to protect American communities from the violence and chaos perpetuated by criminal gangs and cartels.
Trump’s Border Legacy and the 2024 Election
The topic of border security is expected to be a major issue in the 2024 presidential election. As Trump seeks re-election, his commitment to securing the southern border and dismantling criminal immigrant networks will continue to be central to his platform. With Homan’s leadership and continued support from immigration hawks, Trump’s stance on immigration is expected to resonate with many voters who view it as a critical national security issue.
In a broader context, Trump’s hardline approach to immigration and border security represents a stark contrast to the policies of President Joe Biden, who has faced criticism for his handling of the border crisis and the influx of migrant families. The Biden administration has focused on humanitarian assistance and asylum processing, but critics argue that it has failed to adequately address the criminal element within the immigration system.
As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen how these competing visions of border security will play out on the national stage. However, with the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on criminal illegal aliens and continued efforts to build the wall, the issue of border security is certain to be a defining theme in the political discourse.
Conclusion: A Continued Battle Against Criminal Illegal Aliens
The Trump administration’s intensified efforts to address illegal immigration and criminal alien activity demonstrate a clear commitment to protecting American citizens from the dangers associated with uncontrolled immigration. Tom Homan’s leadership in this area, combined with the ongoing border security initiatives put in place under Trump, represent a bold stance against the growing threat posed by criminal illegal aliens.
As the administration continues to target criminal organizations such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, Homan’s message remains clear: America’s borders must be secure to ensure the safety of its citizens and the integrity of its immigration system. The battle to eradicate criminal networks, secure the border, and hold sanctuary cities accountable will undoubtedly remain a central issue in the 2024 election and beyond. The road ahead is challenging, but the Trump administration’s resolve to address this issue head-on is unwavering.
