President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has selected Tom Homan, former acting director of US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to serve as the “border czar” for his second administration. Homan, an outspoken border hawk who oversaw ICE from 2017-2018, has recently spoken out about the need for mass deportations in the name of national security.
“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’), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social statement.
“I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders,” he continued. “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.”
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Homan, a key figure in Trump’s previous administration, was known for implementing controversial “zero tolerance” immigration policies. In late October, Homan shocked leftist audiences by telling CBS News’ “60 Minutes” how he plans to deport families of illegal immigrants.
“Is there a way to carry out mass deportation without separating families?” asked host Cecilia Vega.
“Of course there is,” Homan responded. “Families can be deported together.”
Cecilia Vega asks: “Is there a way to carry out mass deportation without separating families?”
“Of course there is. Families can be deported together,” says Tom Homan, head of ICE during Trump’s family separation policy. https://t.co/If9G1sNEzj pic.twitter.com/TIWhi25Vdu
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 28, 2024
Notably, Trump’s statement does not indicate that Homan will be tasked with running either ICE or the Department of Homeland Security. As such, his position as “border czar” will not require Senate confirmation, allowing for immediate action upon Trump’s inauguration. In this advocacy and advisory role in the second Trump White House, Homan would be given political—not legal—authority to coordinate with the DHS Secretary and the head of ICE to enforce the president’s immigration agenda.
Homan’s appointment as “border czar” comes alongside a number of other key appointments as Trump fleshes out his new cabinet. Last week, Trump tapped longtime Republican strategist Susie Wiles to serve as his new chief of staff, making her the first woman to hold the position.
On Monday morning, Trump also announced that Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who currently serves as House Republican Conference Chair, has accepted a position as the president’s ambassador to the United Nations. “Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter,” Trump said in his announcement.
Meanwhile, Trump also made a clear statement about which individuals will not be joining his administration, declaring that former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former CIA Director/former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will not be offered positions.
Though the president-elect thanked Haley and Pompeo for their past service, his statement also served to assuage fears that he was contemplating bringing the two notorious war hawks back into the fold.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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