Tom Homan, White House border czar, issued a fiery challenge to Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, demanding they experience the front lines with federal agents before leveling criticism.
Appearing Tuesday on Fox News‘ The Ingraham Angle, Homan blasted the officials for “attacking federal agents” while overlooking the increasing violence and volatile situations agents face on the ground. Homan’s comments were specifically directed at Gov. Pritzker, who has repeatedly opposed ICE enforcement efforts while, controversially, calling Chicago’s summer “amazing” despite a high number of shootings and murders.
“Here’s what should happen. The judge, Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, put a Border Patrol uniform on for one shift. Come out there and stand there with the men and women of the Border Patrol and ICE, and see how you’re going to respond,” Homan told host Laura Ingraham.
Defending Agent Training and Use of Force
Homan vigorously defended the training of Border Patrol and ICE agents, asserting they are among the best-trained in the nation to handle crowd control and riot situations. He emphasized that agents adhere to a strict use-of-force continuum and do not escalate unless absolutely necessary.
“The Border Patrol agents are trained very well on use of force continuum. They don’t go from zero to 100. There’s no use of force against peaceful protesters,” Homan stated. He clarified that force is only employed when agents are impeded, threatened, assaulted, or trespassed upon, and it is used at the lowest level necessary to ensure compliance or, in extreme cases, protect against death or serious injury.
Escalating Attacks on Federal Law Enforcement
Homan highlighted the tangible threat agents are facing nationwide amid what he described as escalating anti-enforcement riots and attacks. Recent incidents underscore Homan’s concern:
- In Chicago, rioters have been filmed calling for agents to be arrested or shot.
- An ICE agent in suburban Chicago was seriously injured in September after a suspect allegedly dragged him with a vehicle during an attempted arrest.
- In Dallas, two people were tragically killed during a September 24th shooting at an ICE office before the gunman took his own life.
- Texas authorities have reported at least two other shootings targeting ICE and Border Patrol facilities since July 4th, resulting in 10 attempted murder charges.
Homan concluded by reiterating his challenge to the critics, saying, “Put on that uniform, stand on that front line, and have stones thrown at you, and see if there’s justification for these men and women to protect themselves.”
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