What to Know About Tom Homan: Trump’s ‘Border Czar’ Returns

In November 2024, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Tom Homan was appointed by Donald Trump to serve as his “border czar.” This role will place Homan at the forefront of U.S. immigration enforcement, focusing on the northern and southern borders, Maritime and Aviation Security, and overseeing deportations.

Unlike many other senior roles, Homan’s position as “border czar” does not require Senate confirmation. With a long career in immigration enforcement and a reputation for strict policies, his appointment has already sparked considerable attention

Homan’s Background and Extensive Career in Immigration Enforcement

Three Decades of Law Enforcement Experience

Tom Homan’s career spans over three decades, during which he has served under six U.S. presidents, working primarily in immigration enforcement. His experience ranges from working as a police officer to serving as a Border Patrol agent, culminating in his role as executive associate director of enforcement and removal operations for ICE under President Obama. In this role, he oversaw a record number of deportations, an accomplishment he frequently references as evidence of his dedication to stringent immigration policies.

Support for Trump’s First-Term Immigration Policies

Homan has openly praised Trump’s immigration policies, claiming that Trump did the most to secure the U.S. border compared to previous presidents. During Trump’s initial administration, Homan’s support extended beyond formal duties, including public appearances where he advocated for robust immigration enforcement. His appointment as “border czar” aligns closely with Trump’s policy objectives to decrease unauthorized immigration and tighten border security in a potential second term.

Homan’s Advocacy for Strict Immigration Control

Public Statements and Tough Rhetoric

Tom Homan is known for his outspoken stance on immigration. Throughout his career, he has consistently emphasized the need for strong, enforced border control. Speaking at various events, Homan has warned undocumented immigrants to expect a change in enforcement should Trump be re-elected. At the National Conservatism Conference, he advised undocumented immigrants to “wait till 2025” and “look over [their] shoulder,” hinting at intensified enforcement under Trump’s renewed administration.

 Targeted Warnings to Undocumented Immigrants

During this period, Homan publicly declared his readiness to lead what he anticipates will be the “biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” His assertive tone suggests he is prepared to take bold measures to curb illegal immigration, a key campaign promise for Trump. These statements have garnered both support and controversy, setting the stage for what could be a contentious tenure.

 Architect of the Family Separation Policy

 The Controversial Policy Under the Trump Administration

One of Homan’s most recognized – and controversial – contributions during Trump’s first term was his role in the family separation policy. As acting director of ICE from January 2017 to June 2018, he was instrumental in implementing the “Zero Tolerance” policy, which led to the separation of over 5,500 children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. This policy became a focal point for immigration debate in 2018, drawing widespread condemnation and protests.

Repercussions and Rescission of the Policy

Public outcry eventually led Trump to sign an executive order halting family separations in June 2018. Following Trump’s departure, the Biden administration officially rescinded the policy. Despite this, many families remain ununited; according to the Department of Homeland Security, as of April 2024, 1,401 children still await confirmed reunification. The family separation policy remains a point of criticism, highlighting the often polarizing impact of Homan’s approach.

Frustration, Resignation, and a Shift to Media and Advocacy

 Homan’s Departure from ICE

Homan resigned from ICE in 2018, citing frustrations with the White House for failing to move his nomination toward Senate confirmation. Following his departure, Homan continued to champion stringent immigration policies. He became a contributor to Fox News, where he shared his views on immigration and security matters. Additionally, he joined the conservative Heritage Foundation as a visiting fellow, further solidifying his role as an influential voice in immigration policy.

Contribution to Project 2025 and Further Advocacy

In recent years, Homan has contributed to Project 2025, a conservative framework aiming to reshape the federal government in line with specific policy goals. Although Trump has publicly distanced himself from the project during his campaign, Project 2025 aligns closely with Trump’s immigration agenda, including plans to reduce immigration and prioritize border security.

 Planned Deportation Strategies for Trump’s Potential Second Term

 Proposed Strategies and Targeted Deportations

Homan’s return as “border czar” brings with it a structured deportation strategy, which he detailed during a Fox News interview. Homan emphasized that any future deportations would be “well-targeted” and “planned.” Priority will be given to “public safety threats” and “national security threats,” reflecting Homan’s commitment to enforcement with a focus on national security.

 Workplace Enforcement and Family Deportations

Additionally, Homan intends to reintroduce workplace enforcement, reversing the Biden administration’s shift away from mass worksite immigration raids. He has expressed a commitment to conducting these operations in a “humane manner” but has also noted that entire families, including those with U.S.-born children, may face deportation. His statements suggest a broad application of enforcement that could affect various immigrant communities.

 Labeling Mexican Cartels as a Terrorist Organization

Trump and Homan’s Stance on Mexican Cartels

In a statement to a Republican audience, Homan addressed Mexican cartels’ role in trafficking fentanyl across the U.S. border, labeling them as a severe threat. Homan suggested that Trump plans to designate Mexican cartels as a “terrorist organization,” granting additional enforcement tools to combat these groups.

Aggressive Approach to the Cartel Crisis

Homan’s rhetoric suggests a direct, uncompromising approach to the cartels, with statements like “wipe you off the face of the Earth” underscoring the administration’s intent to escalate anti-cartel efforts. This approach aligns with Homan’s broader immigration and national security priorities, including plans for an expansive border control agenda.

 Homan’s Message to Undocumented Immigrants: ‘Start Packing’

 Warning to Prepare for Deportation

In his recent speeches and interviews, Homan has issued stark warnings to undocumented immigrants. Speaking at the Republican National Convention and other venues, he advised immigrants residing in the U.S. without authorization to “start packing.” This tough rhetoric highlights his commitment to enforcing Trump’s policy of broad deportation.

 Pro-Deportation Support and Public Reactions

Homan’s comments have garnered significant support from pro-deportation advocates, evident in the positive reception from audience members waving pro-deportation signs. However, his stance has also sparked concerns among immigrant communities and advocacy groups who view his language as unnecessarily harsh.

 Expected Pushback from Public and Economic Implications

 Immigrants’ Rights Groups’ Response

Since Trump’s re-election, immigrant rights groups have vowed to challenge his policies through protests, local legislation, and lawsuits. These groups argue that policies aimed at reducing immigration create economic and social challenges and that they will work to prevent any sweeping deportation operations from affecting immigrant communities.

Potential Economic Impacts of Reduced Immigration

Analysts from organizations like the Brookings Institution and the American Enterprise Institute suggest that significantly lowering immigration could have a negative impact on the U.S. economy. These experts warn that a reduction in immigration could lead to labor shortages, slow economic growth, and reduce overall net migration to the U.S.

Other Key Appointments in Trump’s Prospective Administration

 The Naming of Susie Wiles and Elise Stefanik

Trump’s second administration is beginning to take shape with additional notable appointments. Susie Wiles has been named Trump’s chief of staff, a significant role in shaping the administration’s priorities. Additionally, Trump has offered Representative Elise Stefanik the position of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, a role that requires Senate confirmation but is expected to pass given the Republican-controlled chamber.

Conclusion

As Tom Homan returns to serve as Trump’s “border czar,” his record on immigration and strict approach signal a potential escalation in enforcement measures. His history, advocacy for robust policies, and public rhetoric indicate that he will lead a determined push to fulfill Trump’s campaign promises on immigration. With public reactions split and economic experts warning of potential consequences, Homan’s approach to border control and deportation will be closely scrutinized as he takes on this controversial role.

Homan’s appointment marks a significant step in Trump’s immigration agenda, setting the stage for an administration poised to intensify border control and deportation efforts, even as these measures face opposition from rights groups and economic analysts.