Monday media reports say President-elect Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, is setting a measured tone in private discussions with Republican lawmakers about the administration’s initial deportation operation. According to multiple sources to corporate meida, Homan has emphasized the constraints of current resources and the necessity of prioritization in fulfilling Trump’s ambitious promises.
This alleged revelation, presented as a behind-the-scenes scoop, will ignite frustration and determination among grassroots conservatives, who will see it as a sign of the uphill battle ahead. The America First movement, emboldened by its growth in size and sophistication during Trump’s presidency, is poised to embrace the challenge with the tactical fervor that has redefined conservative activism.
Homan’s Reality Check
Homan’s meetings with House Republicans have reportedly centered on a tiered approach to Trump’s pledge for the “largest deportation operation in history.” While Trump has floated figures as high as 15–20 million deportations, Homan has emphasized the need to start with a feasible goal: targeting the estimated 1.4 million individuals with final immigration removal orders.
“It’s about order, priority, and expectation,” said GOP Rep. Darrell Issa, told CNN about Homan’s tempered strategy. However, achieving even this initial step requires significant funding increases—resources that ICE does not currently have under the existing continuing resolution.
Homan has made it clear: a large-scale operation will need more beds, more agents, and more money. ICE currently has 6,000 immigration enforcement officers and 40,000 detention beds—far short of what Homan deems necessary.
A Grassroots Movement Ready for Battle
The CNN narrative paints a cautious picture of Republican lawmakers grappling with logistical hurdles. Yet it misses the bigger story: the grassroots movement behind the America First agenda. Unlike previous conservative efforts, today’s base is engaged, educated, and equipped with tactics that rival those of their progressive counterparts.
Conservative activists understand that systemic change is a slow, deliberate process. Far from being discouraged, they see the legislative and logistical challenges as opportunities to prove their resilience. These efforts are not just about immigration; they symbolize a broader fight for the soul of American governance.
Political Will vs. Bureaucratic Resistance
Homan’s pragmatism does not signify retreat but reflects the complexities of implementing a transformational agenda in the face of entrenched bureaucratic resistance. The administration’s allies argue that even small successes can trigger broader shifts, including voluntary “self-deportations” as enforcement ramps up.
GOP lawmakers acknowledge the funding hurdles but remain optimistic about Trump’s ability to use executive orders to jumpstart the process. Additionally, they are keenly aware that the grassroots demand for action will hold them accountable.
What’s at Stake
The stakes extend beyond deportations. They encompass the broader question of whether the next four years will be business as usual or mark a turning point in American politics. While Democrats and corporate media struggle to comprehend the sustained energy of this conservative base, the reality is clear to those on the ground: this is a movement that won’t back down.
Trump’s allies, meeting this weekend at Mar-a-Lago, are strategizing to capitalize on this momentum. GOP Rep. Clay Higgins summarized Trump’s mindset: “He understands the complications. Work through them. Make it happen. I want it done yesterday.”
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
As CNN focuses on the logistical difficulties, the grassroots sees opportunity. For decades, conservatives have been criticized for lacking the organizational and tactical prowess of their opponents. No longer. The America First movement is proving that the will of the people can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
The question remains: will the next administration deliver transformative change, or will it succumb to politics as usual? One thing is certain—the grassroots base, empowered and energized, is ready to make its voice heard like never before.
Corporate media may not understand the full scope of this power shift, but the American people are beginning to realize they hold the keys to the future. The real story is unfolding not behind closed doors but in the homes, communities, and rallies of a movement that’s here to stay.