Tom Homan addresses Arizona Legislature on border efforts
Emotions ran high among many Democrats, opponents of President Trump’s immigration efforts
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — White House border policy advisor Tom Homan arrived in Phoenix Tuesday to address a special joint session of the Arizona Legislature on the Trump administration’s efforts to secure the southern border.
“Arizona is ground zero in the fight to secure our southern border and protect American communities. Tom Homan is a patriot who has dedicated his life to defending our nation’s sovereignty and keeping Americans safe,” Arizona House Speaker Montenegro said ahead of Homan’s appearance. “Now, as the Border Czar for President Trump’s administration, he’s leading the long-overdue federal effort to restore law and order.”
Homan’s remarks focused on current border challenges, federal-state cooperation, and changes in the previous administration.
His visit came just one day after State House Republicans approved a plan to require state and local agencies to cooperate with federal immigration officials. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs will decide whether it becomes law, but many state Democrats made it clear they object.
As Republican representatives and senators welcomed Homan with a standing ovation, Democrats stood up and walked out.
“I love it! Thank you for making my day. I love haters, they make my day every day,” Homan said as they walked out during the event.
Democratic State Sen. Analise Ortiz did not shy away from criticizing Homan’s response. “He said thank you for making my day. These fools take pleasure in our families being torn apart and separated. It is disgusting, it is cruel, it is inhumane and Homan is not welcome here? Go home, Homan!” Ortiz yelled.
Homan responded to that claim in his speech on the House chamber floor. “So for people who say, ‘not a lot of criminals in custody Mr. Homan, you’re supposed to be concentrating on criminals’, well guess why? Because of sanctuary cities and we’re going to keep doing it.”
“Since Trump has taken office, we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of people being deported. People being detained for peaceful protest for simply speaking their minds on their college campuses, or having a tattoo that some law enforcement agent assumes is part of a gang,” Ortiz said.
After the speech, tensions rose with demonstrators chanting at Homan and Republican lawmakers. State Rep. John Gillette appeared to flip off the crowd.
State Rep. Teresa Martinez shared her disappointment with her Democratic colleagues differently. “We want to stand up for public safety and we want to advocate for the victims. I am not on the side of terrorists, or drug dealers or rapist or people who smuggle in children. I’m not on their side,” she said.
Homan wasn’t the only member of Trump’s cabinet to visit Arizona this week.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is speaking at the Border Security Expo in downtown Phoenix on Tuesday. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., also had events around the state on Tuesday and is expected to do so again on Wednesday.
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