Tom Homan Defends Immigration Enforcement at CPAC

Tom Homan, the U.S. Border Czar, pushed back against Democratic criticism of immigration enforcement policies during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) USA held March 26 at the Gaylord Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

Homan rejected claims that immigration crackdowns are driven by racism or extremism, stating that such accusations are “not based on facts” and instead represent “a political framework designed to instill fear among the public.”

“Immigration enforcement is not simply about removing people,” Homan said. “It is a law enforcement process aimed at restoring public safety and national security. We are simply enforcing laws that already exist.”

During a conversation with CPAC senior fellow Mercedes Schlapp, Homan emphasized that enforcement efforts are focused on identifying and apprehending undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records—not ordinary individuals.

“We have encountered horrific crimes committed by illegal immigrant offenders,” he said. “Innocent women have been assaulted, and lives have been lost. If these individuals remain on the streets, communities are inevitably put at risk.”

Homan identified human trafficking as one of the most critical concerns tied to border security.

“Cartels are exploiting the border to smuggle women and children for sexual exploitation,” he said, adding that in Arizona, criminal organizations have operated dedicated locations for trafficking-related activities. He also highlighted the issue of missing children linked to trafficking networks.

“Approximately 145,000 children were reported missing and later recovered, and many of them were victims of sexual exploitation,” Homan stated.

Looking ahead, Homan said that under the direction of Donald Trump, the administration plans to implement more efficient deportation strategies. He also suggested the possible elimination of programs that provide financial assistance for voluntary departure.

Officials believe such programs have become less effective amid perceptions of weakened enforcement, despite government-funded incentives for self-deportation. Homan noted that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is actively operating nationwide as a key component of national security.

He also criticized sanctuary city policies in major liberal-leaning cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago.

Homan argued that when local governments refuse to cooperate with federal authorities, undocumented individuals already in custody cannot be transferred efficiently. This forces federal agents to track them again after release, creating both operational inefficiencies and increased risks to public safety.