President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming “border czar,” Tom Homan, issued a stark warning to criminal gangs during an interview on Donald Trump Jr.’s Triggered podcast. Homan, who led U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump’s first term, stated that his gang is “bigger” than MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, and they will be taken out as well. Homan expressed his excitement about coming back to serve the country and promised major border action to improve the lives of everyday Americans. He used the phrase “shock and awe” to describe how the country will be taken back under his leadership.
Homan shares similar hard-line views on immigration and border security as President-elect Trump, leading to concerns about the reliance on Project 2025, of which Homan is a visiting fellow at The Heritage Foundation and contributed to the initiative. Project 2025 proposes a sweeping immigration-focused role similar to the one Trump has selected Homan for. Homan does not require Senate confirmation to serve under Trump and may be exempt from additional congressional scrutiny. Despite criticism, Homan clarified that he is not anti-immigrant, but rather anti-illegal immigration, stressing that enforcing immigration laws should not be seen as racist or nationalist.
In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, Homan expressed frustration at the politicization of immigration issues and being labeled as racist for enforcing laws created by Congress. He emphasized that his stance is based on his experiences in the field. Homan also made an appearance on conservative commentator Tomi Lahren’s YouTube show, where he warned Democratic leaders about putting roadblocks in the way of Trump’s plans for mass deportations on his first day in office. He asserted that nothing will stop them from carrying out their job, urging those who don’t support their efforts to get out of the way.
Critics of Trump’s aggressive stance on border security have raised concerns that deportations may not be limited to individuals with criminal convictions or charges, potentially leading to the separation of families and leaving children who are U.S. citizens behind. Immigration advocates have been vocal in their opposition to the mass deportations, fearing the impact it will have on communities and families. Homan’s appointment as “border czar” has raised further alarm among those who believe that Trump’s approach will have far-reaching consequences on immigration policies and enforcement measures. As Homan prepares to take on this new role, the debate over border security and immigration enforcement continues to be a contentious issue in American politics.
