A tense standoff over Department of Homeland Security funding remains stalled this Sunday as White House border czar Tom Homan defended the use of face masks by immigration agents, citing a massive spike in threats and assaults against federal personnel.
The debate comes as Congress remains on recess, leaving Washington at an impasse over Democratic demands for policy changes. Lawmakers are calling for agents to remove masks, wear body cameras, and obtain judicial warrants before entering private property.
During an interview on “Face the Nation,” Homan pushed back, arguing that the gear is a matter of life and death.
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“I don’t like the masks either, but because threats against ICE officers, you know, are up over 1500%—actual assaults and threats are up over 8000%,” Homan said. “These men and women have to protect themselves.”
Homan pointed to a recent incident where the director of ICE and his family were allegedly doxed and filmed at their home as evidence of the danger agents face. He argued that while agents wear placards identifying their agencies, masks remain necessary for “officer safety reasons” until legislation is passed to protect agents from being identified and targeted.
The funding fight also involves the use of administrative warrants rather than judicial ones. Homan maintained that agents are simply following the laws already on the books. “Congress themselves wrote the Immigration Nationality Act that gave power on the administrative warrant to arrest somebody,” he said. “If Congress wants that change, then Congress can legislate.”
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The discussion followed the winding down of “Metro Surge” in Minnesota, the largest deployment of federal immigration agents in history. While Homan celebrated the removal of over 1,000 people, the operation has faced scrutiny after two agents were placed on administrative leave when video evidence appeared to contradict their sworn testimony.
“People will be held accountable and they’ll be fully investigated,” Homan said, noting that the FBI is also involved. He dismissed reports of friction between himself and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling the administration “one team, one fight” and claiming the current strategy has resulted in the “most secure border in history.”
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