Tucson Leaders Push Back Hard Against Former ICE Chief’s Threats to Flood Cities With Deportation Raids

At the 2026 Border Security Expo in Phoenix, former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan escalated threats against cities that resist cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. Homan warned that such cities would face an influx of ICE agents and broader immigration raids, including “collateral risks” that would sweep up even those legally present.

“You will see more ICE agents you've never seen before,” Homan declared. “And when we find a bad guy, he's with others. Others may not be a priority target, but they're in the country legally… Well, guess what? They're coming, too. You will see collateral risks increase in these areas. You will see more agents in your neighborhoods. Because you forced us in this position.”

Tucson’s Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva and Mayor Regina Romero responded sharply in a video released after the speech, condemning the threats as blatant intimidation. Grijalva called it “a threat, flat out,” and vowed that local officials would not be cowed by fear tactics aimed at pushing Trump’s mass deportation agenda.

“That’s intimidation. That’s using fear to force local communities to carry out Trump’s mass deportation agenda,” Grijalva said. “We’re not backing down. Not to fear tactics. Not to political theater.”

Mayor Romero highlighted the devastating impact such tactics have on public safety, noting that immigrant communities driven away from law enforcement only make neighborhoods less safe. She warned that “collateral arrests” mean innocent parents, workers, and children could be swept up simply for being in the wrong place.

“Threatening cities for trying to build trust between residents and law enforcement isn’t leadership,” Romero said. “It’s reckless and counterproductive.”

Both leaders framed Homan’s remarks as a direct attempt to pressure municipal officials into cooperating with federal deportation efforts by instilling fear rather than improving security. They pledged to continue prioritizing community trust and safety over intimidation.

Grijalva has firsthand experience confronting aggressive ICE tactics. During a December 5 ICE operation at a Tucson restaurant, she was reportedly pushed aside and pepper-sprayed while seeking information, an incident that sparked calls for a congressional investigation into ICE’s use of force. DHS/ICE disputed the pepper-spray claim but accused Grijalva of impeding officers.

Mayor Romero has consistently condemned ICE’s heavy-handed raids, criticizing the use of smoke grenades, pepper balls, and what she called “disproportionate” force that escalates violence against the public.

In February, Grijalva and Romero teamed with the ACLU of Arizona to host a Know Your Rights forum aimed at empowering residents to navigate encounters with federal immigration agents and understand their legal protections.

Homan’s threats reveal a dangerous pattern of federal overreach and intimidation aimed at breaking local resistance to Trump-era deportation policies. Tucson’s leaders are standing firm against these tactics, defending immigrant communities and pushing back against the administration’s authoritarian playbook.