In a significant announcement late Sunday, President-elect Donald J. Trump revealed that he has appointed Thomas D. Homan, a seasoned immigration official from his previous administration, as the new “border czar.” In this crucial role, Homan will oversee the enforcement of the nation’s borders as well as maritime and aviation security.
Trump shared this news through a concise post on his social media platform, Truth Social, although he did not elaborate on the specifics of Homan’s responsibilities. In his message, Trump expressed confidence in Homan’s capabilities, stating, “I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders.” He further noted that Homan would be tasked with managing the deportation of illegal aliens back to their countries of origin.
The president-elect has made a stringent crackdown on immigration a central theme of his campaign, yet the exact implications for immigrants currently residing in the United States remain somewhat ambiguous. One pressing question is whether the incoming administration will revive large-scale worksite raids aimed at apprehending unauthorized workers. In a recent interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Homan indicated that such raids, which have been absent during President Biden’s tenure, would be reinstated under Trump’s leadership. Trump is set to assume office on January 20.
Homan brings a wealth of experience to this position, having served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2017. His extensive background in immigration enforcement includes roles as a police officer, a United States Border Patrol agent, and a special agent with the now-defunct Immigration and Naturalization Service.
The announcement regarding Homan is part of a broader picture of Trump’s cabinet appointments and key staff selections. Just days prior, Trump appointed Susie Wiles, who has played a pivotal role in his political operations, as his White House chief of staff. On Saturday, he also declared that he would not extend invitations to Nikki Haley, his former ambassador to the United Nations, or Mike Pompeo, his former secretary of state, to join his new administration.
