Homan Pushes Sanctuary City Cooperation After Violent Crimes Spark Renewed Debate
Tom Homan is calling for greater cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration officials following a series of violent crimes in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Homan argued that jurisdictions limiting coordination with ICE are creating gaps that allow dangerous individuals to remain in communities. He pointed specifically to Fairfax County’s sanctuary-style policies, which have restricted compliance with federal detainer requests.
Speaking on Fox News, Homan said local leaders should adopt a model similar to agreements he helped broker in Minneapolis, where federal and local officials coordinated the transfer of individuals from local custody to ICE without extending detention beyond standard procedures.
Homan emphasized that such arrangements allow local agencies to maintain their policies while still enabling federal authorities to take custody of individuals flagged for immigration enforcement. He said this approach improved cooperation and reduced risk during his previous deployment.
He urged Virginia officials to consider the same strategy, arguing that simple coordination, such as notifying ICE prior to release, could help remove individuals deemed public safety threats without placing additional burdens on local law enforcement.
Sanctuary politicians, like @GovernorVA, REFUSE to put the safety of American citizens first.
It is common sense. Sanctuary politicians must cooperate with @ICEgov and stop releasing criminals from their jails to create more innocent American victims. pic.twitter.com/kCo7PttMid
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 2, 2026
The renewed push comes after multiple recent homicide cases in Fairfax County involving individuals identified by authorities as being in the country unlawfully. The incidents have intensified scrutiny of local policies and their impact on public safety.
Homan said that without cooperation from local jurisdictions, federal agents are forced to locate individuals in the community after release, a process he described as more dangerous for officers and the public.
He maintained that increasing coordination at the jail level would streamline enforcement and potentially reduce crime, framing the issue as one of public safety rather than politics.
The debate over sanctuary policies continues to divide local and federal officials, with ongoing disagreements about the balance between immigration enforcement and local governance.