Border Czar Tom Homan is at the center of a reported power struggle with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, amid increasing tensions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to recent reports, there are “competing camps” inside DHS, sharply dividing Homan and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons from Noem, her adviser Corey Lewandowski, and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino.
Homan’s faction ostensibly favors focusing on targeted arrests of individuals with criminal convictions and final deportation orders. In contrast, Noem’s side is advocating for a more aggressive approach to ramp up overall deportation numbers. The atmosphere within the agency has been described as “tense” and “combative” by two senior DHS officials.
On Tuesday, Homan was asked about this friction during an appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle. When Laura Ingraham pressed him about the reports of conflict, Homan sidestepped the question, instead delivering a defense of ICE’s performance. He stressed that the agency is committed to public safety and national security threats, stating, “If you are in the country illegally, you are not off the table. We will arrest you, too.” He pointed to what he claimed were record-high arrests and deportations, reassuring viewers that these numbers would continue to rise as more agents are added.
While Homan expressed confidence in ICE’s operations, he faces scrutiny due to a bribery scandal where he allegedly accepted $50,000 in cash while promising to secure government contracts for undercover agents, a claim he has denied.
Despite Homan’s assurances, some within ICE are reportedly concerned that Noem’s proposal for high-visibility raids could undermine public trust. An official warned about losing focus on prioritized targets, suggesting that the rush to meet deportation benchmarks could have negative repercussions.
Reports of internal strife within DHS have emerged alongside significant organizational changes, including the reallocation of ICE field leaders in several major U.S. cities to headquarters, a move made in response to complaints regarding poor removal numbers. Initially, these officials were slated for termination until rescued by Lyons.
In defense of the unity within DHS, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson asserted that the entire team, including Homan and Noem, is aligned in executing the President’s policy agenda. She emphasized that their joint efforts have already produced noteworthy outcomes in border security and the deportation of criminal illegal aliens.
This situation reflects the broader complexities of immigration enforcement, revealing the differing ideologies within the government on how best to approach the enforcement of immigration laws. As the debate continues, the stakes remain high for those involved in shaping immigration policy.