President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as the “border czar” for his administration. Homan, known for his hard-line immigration views and support for Trump’s controversial “zero tolerance” policy, will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of border control, including deportation of illegal immigrants. In a statement, Trump praised Homan as the right person to police and control the nation’s borders, expressing confidence in his ability to perform well in the role.
Homan has previously vowed to “run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen” and was an early advocate of the zero tolerance policy that resulted in the separation of thousands of families at the southern border. Despite public outcry, Trump later signed an executive order in 2018 to reverse the family separation policy. In an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Homan suggested that families could be deported together without the need for separation, emphasizing the role of ICE in carrying out deportations.
As a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, Homan has been involved in promoting hard-line immigration policies. He is also the president and CEO of Border911, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the alleged threat posed by undocumented immigrants. Homan believes that deportations can be conducted in a well-targeted and humane manner, with ICE personnel being experienced in carrying out such operations efficiently.
Trump’s appointment of Homan reflects his commitment to enforcing strict immigration policies and securing the nation’s borders. During his campaign, Trump frequently made inflammatory remarks about migrants, portraying them as criminals and threats to national security. He compared them to cannibals and described them as individuals coming from jails, prisons, and mental institutions. Homan’s appointment as border czar aligns with Trump’s anti-migrant rhetoric and signifies a continuation of stringent immigration enforcement under the new administration.
In addition to Homan, Trump has also announced that Susie Wiles, his co-campaign manager, will serve as the White House chief of staff. These appointments signal Trump’s intent to surround himself with loyalists who share his views on key policy areas. As the border czar, Homan is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the administration’s immigration agenda and overseeing border security measures. His track record of advocating for tough enforcement actions suggests that he will prioritize stricter border controls and increased deportations of undocumented immigrants.
With Homan’s appointment, the Trump administration is poised to take a hard-line stance on immigration and border security. Homan’s history of supporting aggressive deportation measures and advocating for strict enforcement policies aligns with Trump’s vision for combating illegal immigration. As the border czar, Homan will likely lead efforts to bolster border control operations, implement deportation initiatives, and address security concerns at the southern and northern borders. The appointment of Homan underscores Trump’s commitment to prioritizing immigration enforcement and underscores the administration’s focus on border security as a key policy area.