Donald Trump ha announcedSunday evening 10 November 2024, a Tom Douglas Homanhe will again be responsible for national borders. The face of the new”Czar of the border“, as Trump himself explained it, risks becoming familiar quickly, as does the plan of “mass deportation” of eleven million illegalsthe tycoon announced during his election campaign.
Thomas Douglas Homanwho was born on November 28, 1961 in West Carthage, New York, is a former police officer and government official American, he is best known for his role as interim director ofImmigration and Customs (Ice) of the United States from January 30, 2017 to June 29, 2018, during the first Trump administration. His career was characterized by strong and controversial positions on immigrationwhich drew both praise and criticism.
Homan began his law enforcement career as policeman in West Carthage. After receiving a diploma in criminal justice from Jefferson Community College and a degree from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, began a long career in immigration service, starting as Border Patrol Agentthe border police in 1984. He held after that various supervisory and investigative roles within the Immigration Service, then known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
In the 2013under the administration Barack Obamanamed Homan Joint Executive Director of ICE. By 2014, Homan had begun to argue that the separation of the children by parents to be an effective means of discouraging illegal border crossing. Journalist Caitlin Dickerson describes him as the “intellectual father” of this policy the Trump administration took over years later. “Most parents do not want to be separated” Homan told Dickerson, adding that separation is an effective tool for immigration enforcement.
Although this position was controversial, marked a turning point in his career, giving in the national spotlight. An article by the Washington Post at the time said: “Thomas Homan deports people. And he is very good at it“. in 2015President Obama awarded the Presidential Degree Awardas a Distinguished Executive, an individual awards program granted by the US Government to Senior Executive Service Career members and career employees.
Thomas Homan at the Republican National Convention in the United States (Favorite)
Il January 30, 2017the president Donald Trump Named Homan acting director of ICE. During his tenure, Homan oversaw a a significant increase arrests of undocumented immigrants, by s An increase of 38%. in the first months of the new administration compared to the same period of the previous year. Homan has said publicly that undocumented immigrants “Dthey should be afraid“, a statement that again provoked mixed reactions.
One of the more controversial policies Homan supported was “Zero tolerance,” which showed, among other things, the separation of thousands of children from their parents at the border. Key points of this policy included:
- Criminal prosecution of all adults: Any adult who crossed the border illegally was prosecuted. This meant that even those seeking asylum could be arrested and tried.
- Separation of families: adults were held pending trial, while children were transferred to facilities for unaccompanied minors.
- Increase in deportations: The aim of the policy was to significantly increase the number of deportations, with a particular focus on those who had committed crimes, but also on undocumented immigrants who had no criminal record.
- strengthen controls at the workplace: Homan supported the importance of conducting strict checks in workplaces to identify and deport undocumented workers.
It was the stated purpose prevent illegal immigrationaccording to Homan people should “think twice” before attempting to enter the United States without documents. This policy has been widely criticized nationally and internationally.
After left ICE in June 2018Homan came a political commentator for Fox Newscontinuing to support strict immigration policies. In the 2022went the Heritage Foundationand think tank conservative, contributing to the project ”Project 2025”, which again advocates mass arrests, detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Thomas Homan’s career is an example of how immigration policies can polarization public opinion. On the one hand, his supporters see him as a defender of law and order, committed to protecting the borders of the United States. On the other hand, their critics accuse them of promoting inhumane and divisive policies.
Trump announced that Homan would serve as “border czar” in his second administration in a post on his social network Ferinne. Homan will again oversee deportation policies and handle security issues at the border.
Time.news Interview: The Border Czar – An Insight with Thomas Douglas Homan
Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. As we are all aware, former President Donald Trump has recently appointed you as the new “Czar of the Border.” It’s a title that carries a lot of weight and responsibility. What are your immediate thoughts on this new role?
Thomas Homan: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to return to a role where I can make a significant impact on border security and immigration. My goal is to ensure that our borders are secure while also providing clarity and compassion for those who approach them. The challenges are great, but I believe we have the tools and the determination to build a more effective system.
Editor: You’re no stranger to controversy. During your time as the acting director of ICE, you oversaw significant policy shifts and emphasized strict enforcement of immigration laws. How do you respond to those who argue that such policies lacked compassion and adversely affected families, particularly with the “Zero Tolerance” policy?
Thomas Homan: I understand the concerns raised about these policies, especially regarding family separations. My position has always been about enforcing the law while recognizing the complexity of human stories. The reality is that strong enforcement is necessary for a functional immigration system. The objective wasn’t to harm families but to deter illegal border crossings. The discourse needs to focus on the broader implications of a porous border.
Editor: You mentioned deterrence. Many opponents of stringent border policies assert that they perpetuate fear rather than effectively manage immigration. What’s your take on that criticism?
Thomas Homan: Fear can be a powerful motivator. My experience tells me that when there are clear and enforceable immigration laws, it encourages compliance and reduces unlawful entries. We saw a 38% increase in arrests during my tenure, which demonstrates a reaction to the enforcement policies put in place. While it may sound harsh, without a deterrent, we would face greater challenges.
Editor: Let’s talk about your approach to the “mass deportation” of the 11 million undocumented immigrants mentioned in recent discussions. Critics suggest that this could lead to significant socioeconomic fallout. How do you envision this process, and what safeguards would be in place?
Thomas Homan: Mass deportation is a complex topic. While there are individuals who should be prioritized for deportation—especially those with criminal records—I understand the importance of addressing cases with sensitivity. We must consider the humane aspects and look towards implementing a system where individuals can rectify their status if they meet certain criteria. The aim isn’t chaos; it’s about implementing a fair process.
Editor: Understood. There’s also a growing conversation about alternative methods to handle migration, especially concerning asylum seekers. How do you envision balancing our legal obligations to those seeking refuge while enforcing strict border control?
Thomas Homan: It’s important to uphold our humanitarian commitments while ensuring that individuals are entering through lawful means. We need to streamline the asylum process to discourage abuse while respecting those who truly need our protection. This could mean re-evaluating the asylum system to make it more effective and timely.
Editor: As society grapples with a fast-evolving immigration landscape, what do you hope to achieve in your new role within the Trump administration?
Thomas Homan: My mission is clear: to restore the rule of law regarding immigration and border security. I aim to establish a system that not only protects the American public but also respects the dignity of all individuals involved. Ultimately, I hope that my efforts will lead to a safer, more orderly process at our borders.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Homan, for your insights and candid responses. The road ahead certainly looks challenging, and your experience will play a crucial role in navigating these issues. We appreciate your time today.
Thomas Homan: Thank you for having me. I look forward to working towards a balanced and effective immigration policy that serves our nation’s interests while maintaining humanity.