President-elect Donald Trump has officially announced that Thomas D. Homan, his former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and an Editorial Board member of Homeland Security Today, will join his administration for a second time as “border czar.” This role is expected to be central in fulfilling Trump’s campaign promises to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and conduct an extensive deportation operation. As the border czar, Homan will oversee the U.S. borders, maritime and aviation security, and all deportation operations—key elements of Trump’s agenda.
“I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation’s Borders,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. Trump further praised Homan, saying, “There is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders.” The new position does not require Senate confirmation, allowing Homan to take on his role immediately after Trump’s inauguration.
For Homan, this appointment marks a return to a position of high visibility in immigration enforcement. He previously served as Acting Director of ICE from January 30, 2017, until his retirement on June 30, 2018. During his tenure, Homan became a prominent advocate for stricter immigration enforcement policies, frequently appearing in White House briefings to defend ICE’s actions and praise Trump’s efforts to strengthen border security. His 33-year career in law enforcement includes nearly 34 years in immigration enforcement, spanning roles from a police officer in New York to a U.S. Border Patrol agent and later a Special Agent with the former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Homan also held senior roles as Supervisory Special Agent, Deputy Assistant Director for Investigations, and later as Assistant District Director for Investigations (ADDI) in Texas, where he led efforts in San Antonio and Dallas.
Reflecting on his previous time in government, Homan’s unwavering stance on immigration enforcement has been clear. In his new role, Homan will have extensive authority over immigration-related operations, including deportations, and will be responsible for coordinating between various agencies within the DHS.
In a recent interview with Fox News following Trump’s announcement, Homan expressed honor at his selection, stating he is ready to take on the new role. “I’m honored to be chosen for this position and look forward to continuing the mission to secure our borders and protect Americans,” Homan said. On deportation specifically, in his Fox appearance, Homan described a “well-targeted, planned operation” focusing first on individuals deemed threats to public safety and national security. He emphasized that deportations would be “done in a humane manner,” but reiterated that broader enforcement actions would resume under his direction, including workplace enforcement, which had been reduced during the Biden administration.
Homan’s return to public service highlights a career marked by staunch dedication to immigration enforcement. He began his law enforcement journey as a police officer in New York before becoming a U.S. Border Patrol agent and rising through the ranks at ICE. For his exemplary work, Homan received the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award in 2015 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 2018. His achievements include transforming enforcement practices at ICE and executing record numbers of deportations, particularly under the Obama administration.
In 2017, Homan was awarded HSToday’s Most Valuable Player Award at the annual Homeland Security Holiday Heroes Gala for his service through multiple presidential administrations and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
In addition to his law enforcement background, Homan’s career in immigration enforcement has seen him serve as a special advisor and speaker, warning of the consequences of illegal immigration and advocating for the role of ICE in national security. Since his retirement, he has been active in conservative circles, contributing to the Heritage Foundation and consulting on Project 2025, a blueprint for reshaping the federal government that aligns with much of Trump’s policy agenda.
Now, with his official appointment, Homan stands poised to influence the future of U.S. border policy significantly. His selection reflects Trump’s commitment to enforcing strict immigration measures and signals a return to the policies that defined his first term. Homan’s reputation as a fierce defender of border security will likely shape the U.S. immigration landscape as he takes charge of one of the most contentious issues in American politics.