Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, has criticized the Trump administration's deportation tactics. He argues that removing individuals without criminal records, such as an Omaha resident named Mariana, is "inhumane" and lacks common sense.
The September 18 removal date for an Omaha honors graduate
The conflict centers on Mariana, an Omaha woman scheduled for removal from the United States on September 18. According to Newsweek, Mariana is an honors graduate and an aspiring commercial pilot who arrived in the U.S. at age 16. She graduated from Omaha Central High School and earned an aviation degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha, all while obtaining a private pilot's license and supporting herself through employment.
Representative Don Bacon claims that Mariana's removal order stems from a missed immigration hearing that occurred while she was still a minor.. As Newsweek reported, Bacon stated that Mariana was never personally notified of the heraing and had been abandoned by her parents at the time. despite this, the congressman notes that she has consistently complied with immigration requirements, including annual check-ins.
Why Don Bacon calls TPS deportations a "travesty"
Representative Don Bacon's criticism extends beyond individual cases to the treatment of those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).. TPS allows nationals from countries plagued by war or natural disasters to live and work legally in the U.S. on a temporary basis. Bacon described the deportation of these individuals as a "travesty," particularly for those who have lived in the country legally for a decade, are employed, or are married to American citizens .
The Nebraska Republican argues that these individuals should be granted a pathway to permanent residence provided they maintain a clean record.. In his view, the current enforcement strategy fails to distinguish between public safety threats and integrated community members who contribute to the economy.
Tom Homan's "deportation-maxxing" and the $2,600 departure incentive
The White House has firmly rejected these criticisms, with spokeswoman Lauren Bis stating that the administration is simply enforcing laws passed by Congress. To facilitate removals, the administration encourages undocumented immigrants to use the CBP Home app to manage their own departures. Those who do so are offered a free flight home and a check for $2,600.
This approach aligns with a broader strategy described by border czar Tom Homan as "deportation-maxxing." As Newsweek reported,Homan indicated in July that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was on track for a second consecutive month of record-breaking arrests.. This is part of President Donald Trump's pledge to execute the largest mass deportation operation in the history of the United States.
The legislative failure and the three-month ICE reporting gap
Representative Don Bacon has placed the ultimate blame for these "indecent" outcomes on Congress, suggesting that lawmakers are "afraid of their shadows" regarding immigration reform. He argues that the current laws are flawed and require urgent improvement to prevent the removal of non-threatening residents.
The urgency of this debate is underscored by recent data trends. ICE detention statistics released last month—following a three-month gap in public reporting—show a continued rise in arrests and detention levels. This trend is mirrored by Newsweek's reporting of dozens of cases where even green card holders and visa applicants have been swept up in immigration raids.
Several critical details remain unverified. It is unclear which specific "dozen cases" of nonsensical deportations Bacon is referring to beyond Mariana's. Furthermore,while Bacon mentioned speaking with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE have not provided a public response to his specific claims regarding the lack of notification for minors in court proceedings.
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