Trump Announces Former ICE Director Homan as “Border Czar” in New Administration

President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Tom Homan, his former acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will serve as “border czar” in his incoming administration, The Associated Press reports.

The announcement was made on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, late Sunday.

“I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation’s Borders,” Trump wrote.

Homan, a controversial figure known for his hardline stance on immigration, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border in Trump’s administration. He has been vocal in his support for Trump’s promise to launch the largest deportation operation in the country’s history.

In his new role, Homan will oversee the southern and northern borders, as well as “maritime and aviation security.” He will also be responsible for “all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin,” a central part of Trump’s immigration agenda.

Trump expressed confidence in Homan’s abilities.

The “border czar” position does not require Senate confirmation.

While Homan has previously hinted at large-scale deportation operations, he clarified in an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” that the military would not be involved in rounding up immigrants. He said that ICE would implement Trump’s plans in a “humane manner.”

“It’s going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. They’re good at it,” he said. “When we go out there, we’re going to know who we’re looking for. We most likely know where they’re going to be, and it’s going to be done in a humane manner.”

Homan’s appointment is likely to spark renewed debate over immigration policy and the role of law enforcement in enforcing it. Critics have expressed concerns about the potential for human rights abuses and the targeting of vulnerable populations.

Supporters of the appointment argue that Homan’s experience and commitment to border security are essential in tackling what they see as a crisis at the border.