President-elect Donald Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” Tom Homan, defended the administration’s plan to deport millions of undocumented migrants, stating firmly, “I don’t care what people think of me.”
Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), made these comments during an appearance on Fox & Friends after Trump announced he would be responsible for securing the U.S. border in the upcoming administration.
“Frankly, I don’t care what people think about me, especially on the left,” Homan said when asked how he would respond to anticipated criticism over Trump’s border policies.
Border Czar Homan about NY deportation: "We're gonna do the job without you or with you " pic.twitter.com/ca2ISmEMwg
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“I don’t care about opinions on illegal immigration. When you let a crisis get this big, all sorts of other issues arise, and that’s why we need to secure the border.”
He emphasized that border security transcends political divisions, saying, “I don’t care if you’re Republican, Democrat, or independent—border security is national security. We should all be on the same page about that.”
A former police officer and seasoned Border Patrol agent, Homan reiterated Trump’s commitment to an extensive deportation plan, clarifying that his priority would be removing individuals who pose public safety or national security risks and conducting worksite enforcement.
“President Trump has been very clear: public safety and national security threats will be our top priorities because those pose the greatest dangers to this country,” Homan explained.
Homan assured that ICE would carry out these deportations “in a humane manner” but also expressed frustration with current border issues.
“I’ve been on this network for years, pointing out what the [Biden] administration has done to weaken this border. I’ve been vocal about it,” he told Fox & Friends.
“When President Trump asked me if I would come back to help fix it, I couldn’t say no. I’d be a hypocrite if I did.”
“I’m honored the president asked me to return to help solve this national security crisis,” he continued. “Every morning, I’m outraged by what this administration has done to what was the most secure border in my lifetime.
So yes, I’m ready to do what I can to fix it.”
Trump officially announced Homan’s return to his administration on Sunday night, stating that Homan would take on the role of overseeing border security nationwide.
This includes not only the Southern and Northern Borders but also maritime and aviation security.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration in charge of our Nation’s Borders (‘The Border Czar’).”
The president-elect praised Homan’s qualifications, saying, “I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our borders. He will be responsible for deporting all illegal aliens back to their country of origin.”
As the incoming administration prepares to enact more stringent immigration policies, Homan’s appointment signals a decisive approach to border security.
Homan has long been a strong advocate for enforcing immigration laws and has voiced concerns over the current administration’s handling of the border crisis.
His firm stance on prioritizing deportations for individuals who threaten public safety and national security aligns with Trump’s objectives to restore strict border controls.
Homan’s appointment, which does not require Senate confirmation, allows him to begin working immediately once the new administration takes office.
With his return, Trump’s administration signals a return to aggressive border enforcement policies, aiming to address what they see as critical security issues tied to undocumented immigration.