(Washington, D.C. – March 23, 2025) – Tom Homan, the controversial former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been reappointed by President-elect Donald Trump as the nation’s “border czar” for his second administration. Homan, born on November 28, 1961, in West Carthage, New York, is widely known for his hardline stance on immigration and his role in implementing the family separation policy during Trump’s first term. His return has sparked heated debates among lawmakers, immigration advocates, and critics, as his policies promise sweeping deportations and stricter border enforcement.
Background and Career Milestones
Tom Homan began his career in law enforcement in his hometown of West Carthage, New York, where he served as a police officer. In 1984, he joined the Immigration and Naturalization Service—the precursor to ICE—and later worked as a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Homan steadily climbed the ranks as an investigator and supervisor. In 2013, during President Barack Obama’s administration, he was appointed as the executive associate director for enforcement and removal operations at ICE. His tenure in that role was recognized by Obama, who awarded him the Presidential Rank Award in 2015 for distinguished service.
Homan’s career took a dramatic turn when, on January 30, 2017, President Trump appointed him as the acting director of ICE. During his 16-month leadership, Homan oversaw a 40 percent surge in deportation arrests. He was a vocal advocate for the “zero tolerance” policy that led to the separation of more than 5,000 children from their parents at the U.S.–Mexico border. Although he retired from ICE in June 2018, he remained active in political circles as a commentator on Fox News and a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation.
Appointment as Border Czar in Trump’s Second Term
On November 10, 2024, President-elect Trump announced via his social media platform that Tom Homan would serve as his new “border czar.” The president’s message stated, “Tom Homan will be in charge of all deportation of illegal aliens back to their country of origin.” Unlike traditional Cabinet positions, this role does not require Senate confirmation, allowing Homan to assume his duties immediately upon Trump’s inauguration on January 2, 2025.
Homan’s new position is expected to centralize federal efforts at both the southern and northern borders, as well as maritime and aviation security. His responsibilities include coordinating between various agencies—such as ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and local law enforcement—to enforce immigration laws more aggressively than ever before. Trump’s appointment of Homan underscores a commitment to fulfilling his long-held promise of mass deportations and securing the nation’s borders by any means necessary.
Policy Priorities and Controversial Stance
Homan has long maintained that a secure border is paramount to national security and public safety. In numerous interviews during his first term, he asserted that unauthorized immigrants “should be afraid” and warned that leniency could lead to increased crime and exploitation by transnational gangs. His policy agenda is clear: target individuals who pose a public safety threat, prosecute employers who hire undocumented workers, and implement large-scale deportation operations.
During a recent appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Homan stated, “We will keep targeting the worst of the worst. If you’re here illegally, you have committed a crime, and you’re not off the table.” He also emphasized that his approach would be “well-targeted and planned” rather than involving indiscriminate neighborhood sweeps. When questioned about the possibility of deporting families without separating them, Homan confidently replied, “Families can be deported together.”
Critics argue that Homan’s policies are not only draconian but also inhumane. Immigration advocates have pointed to the traumatic effects of family separations, citing psychological damage to children and the disruption of community bonds. Legal experts have challenged the administration’s reliance on outdated statutes such as the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, arguing that such measures conflict with modern interpretations of constitutional rights.
Reactions from Lawmakers and Immigration Advocates
Homan’s reappointment has ignited a fierce debate on Capitol Hill. Republican lawmakers largely support his appointment, praising his experience and commitment to enforcing immigration laws. Representative Tom Emmer, a vocal critic of sanctuary policies, stated, “Mayor Frey and others who resist federal law only jeopardize public safety. We need strong leadership at the border, and Tom Homan is exactly that.”
On the other side, Democratic representatives and immigrant rights groups have decried Homan’s hardline policies. Critics argue that his methods, which once resulted in the separation of thousands of families, are counterproductive and morally questionable. During a congressional hearing last year, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned Homan’s accountability for his role in the family separation policy. Homan’s curt retort—“I work for the American people; I’m not running a popularity contest”—fueled further controversy and polarized opinions on the issue.
In addition, local officials in sanctuary cities have voiced strong opposition. For example, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has repeatedly declared his city a “safe haven” for undocumented immigrants, directly challenging the federal agenda. Such stances have led to public clashes, as seen when Homan visited the New York state Capitol to advocate for repealing local policies that protect immigrant communities.
Implications for U.S. Immigration Policy
Homan’s return as border czar signals a potential shift in U.S. immigration enforcement under Trump’s second term. His appointment comes at a time when the debate over immigration policy is at a fever pitch. With unauthorized border crossings reportedly down by 96 percent on the southern border during the first two months of Trump’s new term, the administration claims these numbers are evidence of effective deterrence. However, independent analyses suggest that the drop may be closer to 60 percent when comparing current data to previous administrations.
Moreover, Homan’s mandate extends beyond physical border security. He is expected to play a crucial role in shaping workplace enforcement operations—a policy area largely abandoned by the previous administration. Homan’s past statements indicate he is in favor of reinstating mass raids on workplaces to identify unauthorized immigrants. Such measures could lead to a dramatic increase in deportations, but they also raise significant civil liberties concerns.
Legal battles are already emerging. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has previously issued orders halting deportation flights under the administration’s aggressive policies. Homan, however, has consistently asserted that federal law supports his actions. “We’re following the laws on the books,” he said on ABC’s “This Week,” despite mounting criticism from legal scholars and human rights advocates who argue that these laws are misapplied in the modern context.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainties
As Homan prepares to assume his new role, several challenges loom. The logistical complexity of conducting a mass deportation operation is immense. ICE currently operates with roughly 41,500 detention beds nationwide—a number that pales in comparison to the millions of undocumented immigrants estimated to be residing in the U.S. Diplomatic hurdles also persist, as the Trump administration will need to negotiate the return of deported individuals with their home countries—a process that is not always straightforward, especially with nations that lack robust diplomatic ties to the United States.
Furthermore, Homan’s controversial reputation could hinder cooperation with state and local authorities. Sanctuary cities, which have become a focal point of criticism from federal officials, may resist any attempts at coordination. In New York, for instance, proposed legislation such as “Laken’s Law” aims to force local law enforcement to share data with federal immigration agencies. Such measures have faced staunch opposition from local officials and civil liberties groups alike.
Political implications also abound. Homan’s hardline stance on immigration aligns closely with Trump’s campaign promises, but it risks further inflaming partisan tensions at a time when the country is deeply divided over issues of race, security, and national identity. His past comments—such as those dismissing judicial criticism and advocating for the mass deportation of millions of people—are likely to be revisited and scrutinized by both supporters and detractors in the coming months.
Final Note
Tom Homan’s reappointment as border czar marks a significant moment in U.S. immigration policy. With decades of experience and a controversial record, Homan is set to lead an aggressive push against unauthorized immigration under the Trump administration. His policies—ranging from mass deportations to reviving workplace raids—will undoubtedly shape the national debate on border security and immigration enforcement in the coming years.
