In a move signaling a return to hardline immigration policies, President-elect Donald Trump announced Sunday that former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan will serve as his administration's new "border czar." The role, which encompasses oversight of the southern and northern borders, as well as maritime and aviation security, will also see Homan spearheading mass deportations as part of Trump's renewed push to curb illegal immigration.
Trump made the announcement via his social media platform Truth Social, where he praised Homan's experience and commitment to border control. "I've known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders," Trump wrote. "Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job."
Homan, a vocal proponent of strict immigration enforcement during Trump's first term, has made clear his intentions to lead a robust deportation campaign. Speaking at a panel on immigration policy earlier this year, Homan stated, "Trump comes back in January, I'll be on his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen." He reiterated this stance during a Fox News interview Sunday, emphasizing that the deportations would be a "well-targeted, planned operation" and assuring that it would be conducted as a "humane operation."
Trump's announcement underscores his commitment to reversing what he describes as the failures of the Biden administration's immigration policies. Illegal border crossings have surged, with Homeland Security reporting nearly 3 million encounters in fiscal year 2024 alone. Trump campaigned heavily on the promise to reassert control over U.S. borders and to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, a key pillar of his 2024 campaign platform.
Homan's appointment follows Trump's electoral victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, who had served as the Biden administration's "border czar." During her tenure, Harris faced criticism for limited visits to the border, with only two trips, the most recent in September of this year. Trump's team has portrayed Homan's appointment as a corrective measure to the perceived inaction and leniency of the previous administration.
"Trump resoundingly defeated Harris in the presidential election last week, surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency and sweeping all seven swing states," a statement from Trump's transition team noted. "America will return to prominence on the world stage."
Homan's responsibilities will extend beyond deportations, with oversight of border security measures at both land and maritime entry points. The president-elect highlighted the comprehensive nature of the role, stating that the "border czar" position is not limited to the southern border but encompasses all facets of national security related to entry into the United States.
The announcement also marks the latest in a series of high-profile appointments by Trump as he prepares for his second term in office. On Thursday, he announced that Susie Wiles, his longtime campaign manager, would serve as the next White House chief of staff.
Trump's approach to immigration during his previous term included a mix of executive orders and stringent enforcement policies. Homan, who led ICE from 2017 to 2018, became a central figure in those efforts and is expected to resume a similar role with expanded authority.
The decision to appoint Homan has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that his leadership is necessary to restore order at the border, while critics worry about potential human rights violations and the impact of mass deportations on families. Homan, however, remains steadfast in his commitment, noting, "The men and women of ICE do this daily. They're good at it."
