Major Controversies Surrounding Tom Homan: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Tom Homan—discover key moments of controversy.

Tom 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, he was designated as "border czar" with the official title of White House Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations during Donald Trump's hypothetical second presidency.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2014: Advocated for Family Separations

In 2014, under the Obama administration, Tom Homan began advocating for separating children from their caregivers as a means of discouraging illegal border crossings, a policy he outlined years before its adoption by the Trump administration. He believed this would deter illegal immigration.

February 2018: Called for Charges Against Politicians Supporting Sanctuary Cities

In February 2018, Tom Homan stated that politicians who support sanctuary city policies should be charged with crimes.

April 2018: Advised Implementation of 'Zero Tolerance' Policy

In April 2018, Tom Homan and Kevin McAleenan formally advised Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen to implement the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy on immigration, including the prosecution of parents and the separation of children from their families.

May 2018: Participated in Press Conference Announcing 'Zero Tolerance' Policy

In May 2018, Tom Homan participated in the press conference announcing that the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy on immigration was going into effect.

June 5, 2018: Defended Family Separations

On June 5, 2018, Tom Homan defended the separation of children from their parents during a discussion with the policy director of the Center for Immigration Studies.

November 2022: Launched 'Defend the Border and Save Lives' Project

In November 2022, Tom Homan launched a border-focused project called "Defend the Border and Save Lives" in collaboration with the United West, a Southern Poverty Law Center-designated anti-Muslim hate group.

July 2024: Statements at National Conservatism Conference and Republican National Convention

In July 2024, at a National Conservatism Conference meeting, Tom Homan said he would run the "biggest deportation force" if Trump returns to office. On July 17 at the 2024 Republican National Convention, Homan called Biden's immigration policies "national suicide" and told "millions of illegal aliens" to "start packing".

February 2025: Reported Meetings with Proud Boys Associate

In February 2025, Hatewatch reported that Tom Homan met multiple times with Proud Boys associate Terry Newsome to presumably discuss mass deportation.

February 2025: Threatened New York City Mayor Eric Adams

In February 2025, while appearing with New York City mayor Eric Adams on the Fox News program Fox & Friends to discuss Adams' cooperation with ICE on immigration issues, Tom Homan threatened Adams if he didn't cooperate on immigration issues.

March 2025: Defied Court Order on Deportations

In March 2025, Tom Homan told the media that the administration completed deportations despite a court order blocking them, because the court order was made when the planes were above international waters after departing the United States.

2025: Threat to Unleash Deportation Force

In July 2024 at a National Conservatism Conference, Tom Homan stated that in 2025 he will run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen if Trump is re-elected.