Former Border Czar Tom Homan Reveals Surprising Truth About ICE Leadership Dynamics

Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s appointed Border Czar, has affirmed that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is decisively in command, despite reports of their disagreements.

This harmonious statement may catch some off guard, especially amid rumors of a tussle between Noem and Homan regarding authority over Trump’s ambitious deportation policies.

The Department of Homeland Security recently stirred significant controversy with an operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This action led to over 4,000 arrests of criminal aliens and tragically resulted in the deaths of two Americans due to federal agents’ actions.

Following these incidents, President Trump suggested that deportation measures might benefit from a ‘softer touch,’ which some interpreted as a veiled critique of Noem. Subsequently, he dispatched Homan to Minneapolis to de-escalate the situation and reestablish peace.

While Noem and Homan have publicly praised each other, insiders at the DHS have informed the Daily Mail of an ongoing behind-the-scenes power struggle between the two over immigration enforcement dominance.

Now, as the Trump administration deals with fury over its immigration operations in Minnesota and beyond, Homan is emphasizing that Noem is the one in charge of DHS, not him.

Speaking on The Story with Martha McCallum on Friday, Homan told the Fox News host that Noem is in control of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 

The host asked: ‘Are you going to be the face of those operations from now on?’

Border Czar Tom Homan gave a surprisingly supportive answer of DHS Sec Kristi Noem when pressed by Fox News

Homan has internally sparred with DHS Sec Kristi Noem, insiders have told the Daily Mail

‘No, you know, Secretary Noem oversees ICE and CBP,’ Homan said, elevating Noem and clarifying that she is in charge of DHS. 

‘I’ll do what I’ve been doing…I’ll advise and give strategic guidance,’ Homan added. ‘You know, I’m the Border Czar, so I got a lot of work to do on the border.’ 

Widespread reports paint a culture of fear among the rank-and-file in Homeland Security as Noem and her chief advisor and rumored lover Cory Lewandowski openly began firing and demoting officials not viewed as loyal to her for the past year.

The department has splintered into two camps: those loyal to Noem and a bloc of career law enforcement officials aligned with Homan, multiple DHS insiders have revealed.

Noem, who has been the subject of much scrutiny during her first year on the job, has a sweeping portfolio that contains much more than just deportation operations. 

The DHS chief, in addition to running ICE and CBP, also oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 

‘I’ll do whatever I can because the President has made a promise to the American people there will be mass deportations, but he’s going to prioritize public safety threats first,’ Homan told the Fox News host.  

On the Sunday shows this week, Homan staunchly defended immigration agents wearing masks for ‘safety reasons’ – despite the fact that he himself does not like it – as he championed ICE efforts during Minnesota’s Metro Surge as ‘a win.’

ICE agents depart the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on February 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced that week that 700 immigration enforcement personnel would be withdrawn from Minnesota, following weeks of operations and the fatal shooting of two protesters

He admitted to CBS News’s Ed O’Keefe on: ‘As far as the mask look, you know I don’t like the masks either.’ 

‘But because threats against ICE officers are up over 1500 percent actual assaults and threats are up over 8000 percent. These men and woman have to protect themselves.’

Homan refuted claims that they are unidentifiable, telling the outlet that all agents wear placards.

‘There is identifying marks, but masks, you know, why don’t they talk about maybe passing legislation to make it illegal to dox agents or something like that?’ Homan asked. ‘But the masks right now are for officer safety reasons.’