President-elect Donald Trump announced late Sunday that Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, will serve as the “border czar” in his incoming administration. The role, which does not require Senate confirmation, will see Homan oversee the nation’s borders, maritime, and aviation security, as well as lead the administration’s efforts to deport individuals residing in the U.S. illegally.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed confidence in Homan’s ability to execute the administration’s immigration agenda, which includes a large-scale deportation operation. “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,” Trump wrote.
Homan, who has long been a strong advocate for strict immigration enforcement, was expected to play a significant role in Trump’s plans to address illegal immigration. As border czar, Homan will be responsible for managing both the southern and northern U.S. borders, along with overseeing deportations of individuals found to be in the country illegally. Trump emphasized that Homan’s efforts would focus on removing “Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin,” which remains a central tenet of the president-elect’s immigration policy.
In a Fox News interview on Sunday, Homan reassured the public that the deportation operations would be executed humanely. He stressed that the operations would be “well-targeted,” focusing on individuals who pose national security risks. “It’s going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE,” Homan said. “When we go out there, we’re going to know who we’re looking for. We most likely know where they’re going to be, and it’s going to be done in a humane manner.”
Homan’s appointment and his focus on mass deportations align with Trump’s previous promises to carry out the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history. Earlier this year, Homan hinted at the scale of the operation during remarks at the National Conservatism Conference, stating, “Wait until 2025,” adding that no one in the U.S. illegally would be exempt from deportation.
Trump’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws has been a cornerstone of his political platform. Homan’s appointment is expected to signal a strong push for stricter immigration policies once Trump takes office. As border czar, Homan will play a key role in implementing the administration’s controversial deportation strategy.
