Border Czar Tom Homan Pushes Back on ICE Criticism: “The Majority Are Criminals or National Security Threats”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Border Czar Tom Homan is calling out what he describes as misinformation surrounding the U.S. immigration enforcement system, particularly when it comes to the makeup of detainees in ICE custody.

In a recent statement, Homan pushed back on media narratives suggesting that most individuals held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are non-criminal migrants.

“I read in the paper every day that the majority of people in ICE custody are not criminals — WRONG,” Homan said emphatically. “The majority ARE criminals.”

He went on to clarify that those not classified under criminal convictions are far from harmless.

“Who are the rest of the people in our custody?” he asked. “They’re national security threats. They’re fugitives — individuals who have gone through due process at great taxpayer expense and still refused to comply with deportation orders.”

According to Homan, ICE detention decisions are data-driven and focused on individuals who pose real threats to public safety and national security. He emphasized that many detainees have prior convictions for violent crimes, drug trafficking, gang affiliations, or are flagged for national security concerns.

Homan’s remarks come as the debate over immigration enforcement intensifies, with growing scrutiny on ICE operations and detention practices. While critics call for greater leniency and reform, Homan argues that doing so would risk undermining border integrity and national safety.

“We’re not locking up families seeking asylum—we’re targeting those who have abused the system or pose serious risks to our communities,” he said.

As the Biden administration faces pressure from both sides of the aisle, Homan’s comments reinforce the view that strong enforcement remains essential to maintaining the rule of law and protecting Americans.