President Donald Trump’s appointed border czar, Tom Homan, has publicly defended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency after a Fox News poll highlighted growing public concerns about its deportation practices. The survey, released on Monday, found that nearly half of respondents believe ICE is too aggressive in its enforcement efforts, with over half supporting deportation only for those convicted of crimes. Homan, speaking on Fox & Friends, accused the media of spreading a ‘false narrative’ about ICE’s operations, arguing that the agency is focused on public safety and national security threats. He cited the arrest of over 300 Iranian nationals as examples of individuals posing national security risks, which ICE is legally obligated to remove. Homan also noted that the remaining 30% of those arrested include individuals removed upon a judge’s request after proper due process. The border czar stressed that ICE’s mission is to enforce immigration laws as written by Congress, rejecting allegations that the agency is targeting innocent people or engaging in extrajudicial actions. The report further noted that public sentiment on deportation policies is divided, with 49% perceiving ICE as overly aggressive, 24% believing it is insufficient, and 27% considering its efforts appropriate.
The latest Fox News survey revealed that three in ten respondents supported deporting all illegal immigrants, while six in ten backed deporting only those charged with crimes and allowing others to remain and seek citizenship. One in 10 favored letting all illegal immigrants stay in the U.S. Homan’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness and fairness of immigration enforcement. Critics argue that the high number of deportations may strain the system and raise ethical concerns, while supporters insist that prioritizing criminal and national security threats is necessary for public safety. Homan’s stance reflects a broader political discourse within the Trump administration, which has consistently emphasized strict immigration control as a key policy objective. The border czar’s defense of ICE underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, even as public and political opinions remain divided on the appropriate level and methods of enforcement.
Despite the public concerns, Homan reiterated that ICE’s actions are driven by legal mandates and intelligence assessments, not political agendas. He emphasized that the agency’s operations are transparent and accountable, with due process ensured for those detained. However, critics, including some within the media and advocacy groups, continue to challenge the narrative, pointing to instances where individuals have been detained without clear evidence of criminal activity. The debate over ICE’s practices remains a contentious issue in U.S. politics, with implications for both national security and the treatment of immigrants. As the administration faces scrutiny over its immigration policies, Homan’s defense of ICE highlights the complexities of balancing law enforcement priorities with public perception and ethical considerations in immigration enforcement.