Thomas Douglas Homan was born on November 28, 1961, in West Carthage, New York, U.S.
Education:
- Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Jefferson Community College
- Bachelor of Applied Science, SUNY College of Technology at Utica–Rome
Professional Overview:
Tom Homan is a former American law enforcement officer, immigration official, and political commentator known for his strong stance on immigration enforcement. Homan served during both the Obama and Trump administrations and was appointed Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by President Donald Trump in 2017. Known for his firm approach to immigration policy, he opposes sanctuary city policies and has advocated for deterrence methods, including family separations, to curb illegal immigration. In 2024, President-elect Trump appointed Homan as the incoming administration’s “Border Czar.”
Career Background:
Homan began his career as a police officer in West Carthage, New York, before joining the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in 1984, where he advanced through roles as a Border Patrol agent, investigator, and supervisor. In 2013, President Obama appointed him as Executive Associate Director of ICE. In 2015, he received the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service in immigration enforcement, and The Washington Post remarked that he “deports people. And he’s really good at it.”
Acting ICE Director (2017-2018)
Homan was appointed Acting Director of ICE on January 30, 2017, under President Trump. During his tenure, ICE intensified immigration enforcement, with arrests increasing by 38% in early 2017 compared to the same period the previous year. Known for his strong stance, Homan stated that undocumented immigrants “should be afraid” and suggested that politicians who support sanctuary policies should face criminal charges. He retired from ICE in June 2018 after announcing his decision in April.
Post-Government Role and Public Commentary (2019-2024)
After leaving ICE, Homan continued to voice his views on immigration as a Fox News contributor and a fellow at the Heritage Foundation, where he supported its Project 2025, a plan proposing mass deportations and stringent immigration enforcement. He has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, describing them as a threat to national security and endorsing expanded enforcement measures.
Appointment as Border Czar (2024)
In the 2024 presidential campaign, Homan openly supported Trump and was named the administration’s Border Czar on November 10, 2024. In this role, he will oversee all border security and immigration enforcement, including deportation efforts. Homan has vowed to lead what he describes as the “largest deportation force” in U.S. history, indicating that the administration will take an aggressive approach to illegal immigration.
