Debates on ICE’s Future Amid Record Border Enforcement

Tom Homan Criticizes Proposals to Abolish ICE

Border enforcement has reached unprecedented levels, leading Tom Homan, a leading figure in border protection, to criticize progressive calls to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He highlights record-breaking arrests and deportations, noting that 70% of those detained are convicted criminals. Homan also underscores ICE’s vital role in rescuing over 150,000 smuggled children, warning that dismantling the agency could have severe consequences.

ICE’s Role in Combating Terrorism

A statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reveals that ICE has deported over 2,000 known or suspected terrorists since January 2025, under the presidency of Donald Trump. This information surfaces as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Between January 20, 2025, and September 9, 2026, ICE reportedly arrested more than 2,150 suspected terrorists and deported 2,015 of them.

“As we reflect on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the brave men and women of ICE continue to carry out their duty to protect the homeland and keep the American people safe,” stated DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

ICE’s substantial arrest month, the largest in the agency’s history, is attributed to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies.

Recent Notable Cases

In June, federal authorities detained Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, a Mexican national identified by DHS as the ringleader of a mass-casualty plot targeting a UFC event at the White House. Alvarez had overstayed a visitor visa since 2001 and received DACA status in 2014. Following his arrest, ICE filed a detainer.

In another instance, Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, a Brazilian national formerly commanding two terrorist organizations, was arrested in North Carolina. Authorities found a handgun, cash, and multiple electronic devices after an intense pursuit. DHS reported that Aquilla was wanted in Brazil on criminal charges and was allegedly detaining his wife against her will, intending to escape to Mexico. Upon arrest, ICE filed a detainer, and additional charges were investigated.

Four members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang pleaded guilty in May to charges linked to a 2024 Bronx shooting that resulted in two deaths. DHS noted their illegal entry into the United States between 2022 and 2023.

Reflecting on National Security Efforts

The information comes as the nation prepares to remember the nearly 3,000 killed in the 9/11 attacks, and honors the first responders who bravely faced peril. This anniversary commemorates a quarter-century of efforts to prevent future large-scale attacks, following significant reforms such as the creation of DHS in 2002 and ICE in 2003.

Jasmine Baehr, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, covers politics, the military, legal debates, and cultural issues.