Career Timeline of Tom Homan: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Tom Homan built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Thomas Douglas Homan is an American law enforcement officer and political commentator. He served as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from January 2017 to June 2018. In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump designated Homan as "border czar," with the official title of White House Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations, during Trump's hypothetical second presidency.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1983: Became a Police Officer

In 1983, Homan became a police officer in West Carthage, marking the start of his law enforcement career.

1984: Joined US Immigration and Naturalization Service

In 1984, Homan joined the US Immigration and Naturalization Service and served as a United States Border Patrol agent, investigator, and supervisor over a 30-year career.

2003: Supervisor on Texas Border

In 2003, Homan served as a supervisor on the Texas border with Mexico, overseeing border operations.

May 2012: Daniel Ragsdale as deputy director

Daniel Ragsdale was deputy director of ICE since May 2012.

2013: Appointed Executive Associate Director at ICE

In 2013, Homan was appointed by President Barack Obama as Immigration and Customs Enforcement's executive associate director of enforcement and removal operations.

January 30, 2017: Appointed Acting ICE Director

On January 30, 2017, President Donald Trump appointed Homan as acting director of ICE, replacing Daniel Ragsdale.

May 2017: ICE Arrests Increase

In May 2017, Homan announced that ICE had arrested 41,319 people between Inauguration Day and the end of April, marking a 38% increase from the previous year.

November 14, 2017: Nominated for ICE Director

On November 14, 2017, President Trump nominated Homan for the position of ICE director.

June 2018: Retirement from ICE

In June 2018, Homan retired from his position as acting ICE director.

June 29, 2018: End of ICE Directorship

On June 29, 2018, Thomas Homan's tenure as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) came to an end.

2018: Became Fox News Commentator

After his time in government, Homan began contributing to Fox News as a commentator in 2018.

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2018: Contribution to Fox News

In 2018, Homan began contributing to Fox News as a commentator after his time in government.

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July 2019: Testified Before House Oversight Committee

In July 2019, Homan testified before the U.S. House Oversight Committee regarding the Trump administration's family separation policy.

March 2020: Published 'Defend the Border and Save Lives'

In March 2020, Homan published "Defend the Border and Save Lives: Solving Our Most Important Humanitarian and Security Crisis".

February 2022: Joined the Heritage Foundation

In February 2022, Homan joined the Heritage Foundation.

November 10, 2024: Appointment as 'Border Czar'

On November 10, 2024, President-elect Trump announced that Homan would be joining the incoming administration as the "border czar," in charge of deporting illegal aliens.

November 2024: Designated "Border Czar"

In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump designated Thomas Homan as "Border Czar" during Trump's second presidency.

April 2025: Deportation Numbers

As of April 2025, the Trump administration reported that around 140,000 people had been deported, although some estimates put the number at roughly half that amount.

2025: Contributor to Project 2025

In 2025, Homan became a contributor to the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which proposes mass arrests, detentions, and deportations of illegal immigrants across the nation.