40 Facts About Tom Homan

Early Career and Background

Tom Homan's journey in law enforcement began long before he became a household name. His early career laid the foundation for his future roles in immigration enforcement.

1. Tom Homan started as a police officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
2. He later joined the U.S. Border Patrol, where he served for several years.
3. Homan is a 33-year veteran of law enforcement, having worked under six different presidents.

Role in the Obama Administration

Before becoming a prominent figure during the Trump era, Homan played a significant role in the Obama administration's immigration policies.

4. Homan was the executive associate director of enforcement and removal operations for ICE during the Obama administration.
5. Under his leadership, ICE carried out a record number of deportations, seen as a moderate approach to immigration enforcement.

Shift to Right-Wing Politics

Homan's views on immigration enforcement took a sharp turn during the Trump administration, aligning more with right-wing politics.

6. His stance on immigration became notably stricter during the Trump era.
7. Homan became a vocal advocate for tougher immigration policies and mass deportations.

Acting Director of ICE

Homan's tenure as the acting director of ICE was marked by several controversial policies and actions.

8. He served as the acting director of ICE from January 2017 to June 2018.
9. Homan played a key role in implementing the "Zero Tolerance" policy, leading to family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Family Separation Policy

One of the most controversial aspects of Homan's career was his involvement in the family separation policy.

10. Homan was one of the architects behind the "Zero Tolerance" policy.
11. This policy resulted in over 5,500 children being separated from their parents in 2018.
12. The policy faced widespread criticism for its humanitarian implications.

Controversial Statements and Associations

Homan has made several statements and associations that have sparked controversy and debate.

13. He once warned undocumented families to "look over their shoulders."
14. Homan expressed his intention to deport as many undocumented immigrants as possible if Trump were re-elected.
15. He has been associated with hate groups like the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) and ACT for America.

Post-ICE Career and Media Presence

After leaving ICE, Homan continued to influence public opinion and policy through various platforms.

16. Homan became a Fox News contributor, frequently discussing immigration policies.
17. He joined the conservative Heritage Foundation as a visiting fellow.
18. Homan contributed to Project 2025, a blueprint for reshaping the federal government aligned with Trump's immigration agenda.

Promise to Return Under Trump

Homan has expressed his willingness to return to a potential second Trump administration with ambitious plans.

19. In late 2023, Homan stated his intention to run the largest deportation operation in U.S. history if Trump were re-elected.
20. He believes that no one should be exempt from deportation if they are in the country illegally.

Historic Deportation Levels

Homan has been a proponent of historic levels of deportation, aiming to remove as many undocumented immigrants as possible.

21. He has argued that the U.S. should aim to remove as many undocumented immigrants as possible.
22. Homan acknowledges that removing twenty million people is unrealistic but aims to remove as many as possible.

Role in Trump's Second Term

If Trump were to be re-elected, Homan would play a significant role in his administration.

23. President-elect Trump announced that Homan would serve as the "border czar" in his second administration.
24. This role involves overseeing the southern and northern U.S. borders, as well as maritime and aviation security.

Deportation of Illegal Aliens

Homan's responsibilities would include overseeing the deportation of all illegal aliens back to their country of origin.

25. Trump praised Homan, stating that he is "nobody better at policing and controlling our borders."
26. Homan emphasized that ICE will implement Trump's plans in a humane manner.

Defense of Mass Deportation

Homan has defended Trump's vow to institute a mass deportation plan, arguing that it should be threatening to the illegal immigrant community.

27. He believes that undocumented immigrants should be looking over their shoulders.
28. Homan expressed frustration at the news coverage of a mass deportation operation, saying "wait until 2025."

Criticism and Humanitarian Concerns

Homan's policies and actions have faced significant criticism and raised humanitarian concerns.

29. Homan has been criticized for his role in implementing policies that led to the separation of families and the detention of children.
30. The family separation policy resulted in over 5,500 children being separated from their parents.
31. As of April 2021, there were still 1,401 children without confirmed reunification.

Executive Order on Family Separations

In response to widespread condemnation, changes were made to the family separation policy.

32. In June 2018, President Trump signed an executive order stopping family separations.
33. The Biden administration officially rescinded this policy days after he took office in 2021.

Retirement and Post-ICE Career

After retiring from ICE, Homan continued to influence immigration policy and public opinion.

34. Homan retired in frustration when the White House failed to move his nomination toward Senate confirmation.
35. He has since become a prominent figure in conservative circles, contributing to various think tanks and media outlets.

Workplace Immigration Raids

Homan has called for a significant increase in workplace immigration raids, particularly in California.

36. He believes that undocumented immigrants should not have protections regardless of their record, equities, or circumstances.
37. Under Homan's watch, ICE shifted its priorities to include deporting individuals who were not previously considered priorities.

Public Perception and Future Role

Homan's policies and actions have polarized public opinion, and his future role in a potential Trump administration remains a topic of debate.

38. Homan’s policies have been widely criticized by the public and lawmakers alike.
39. His association with hate groups and inflammatory rhetoric has further polarized the debate on immigration.
40. As the "border czar" in Trump’s second administration, Homan will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping U.S. immigration policy.

Tom Homan's Impact on U.S. Immigration Policy

Tom Homan's career has left a significant mark on U.S. immigration policy. Serving as the acting director of ICE from 2017 to 2018, he became known for his hardline stance on deportations and controversial policies like the "Zero Tolerance" policy, which led to family separations. Homan's association with groups like the Center for Immigration Studies and his role as a Fox News contributor have kept him in the public eye. His plans for mass deportations and his willingness to return under a potential second Trump administration indicate that his influence on immigration policy is far from over. Despite widespread criticism, Homan remains a vocal advocate for stricter immigration enforcement. His actions and statements continue to shape the national debate on immigration, reflecting the ongoing tension between security and humanitarian concerns.