Democrats Holding DHS Hostage Over 'Execution,' Not Policy, Says Homan
As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partial shutdown enters its 37th day, White House Border Czar Tom Homan is calling out Congressional Democrats for what he describes as a politically motivated standoff. Appearing Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, Homan argued that the Left’s refusal to fund the department isn't rooted in a sudden shift in immigration law, but rather a disdain for the Trump administration’s willingness to actually enforce it.
The interview followed a dismal showing in the Senate chamber two days prior, where every voting Democrat—with the lone exception of Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman—opted to maintain the gridlock rather than reopen the department tasked with securing the nation’s borders.
The Enforcement Double Standard
When pressed by host Dana Bash on what policy concessions President Donald J. Trump might offer to "end this impasse," Homan was quick to point out the hypocrisy of the current Democratic platform.
“I truly believe this isn’t really a policy issue. We have the same policies in place we had during [former President Barack] Obama and [former President Joe] Biden and [former President Bill] Clinton and [former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush],” Homan told Bash.
Homan, who served in a leadership role at ICE during the Obama administration before joining President Trump’s first term, noted that the statutory framework for removals has remained remarkably consistent across decades. The difference, he suggests, is that the current administration is finally prioritizing the rule of law.
“So, the policy really hasn’t changed. It’s the execution of those policies that we’re talking about,” Homan continued. “It’s really about policy execution more than policy.”
Historical Context: The 'Deporter in Chief'
The irony of the Democrats' current "humanitarian" posturing is highlighted by historical DHS data. During his tenure, Barack Obama removed more noncitizens than any other president, earning him the moniker "Deporter in Chief" from far-left activists.
By comparison, President Trump’s second term has seen a robust but measured return to order. According to a Jan. 20, 2026, DHS press release, the administration deported approximately 675,000 illegal immigrants during its first year. When combined with the 1.2 million removals from his first term, the total still trails the nearly 3 million deportations executed under the two-term Obama administration. Furthermore, data analyzed by El Paso Matters indicates that when removals and returns are combined, Bill Clinton holds the record for the most expulsions.
Despite this, modern Democrats have pivoted toward a policy of obstruction, effectively attempting to defund the very enforcement mechanisms their own party once utilized.
No Surrender on Constitutional Mandates
Homan emphasized that while the White House is "having good conversations" with the opposition, there are lines the administration will not cross.
“But more conversations need to be had, because we certainly can’t surrender ICE’s authorities and their congressionally mandated job,” Homan stated firmly.
Bash also questioned Homan on whether the administration would acquiesce to Democratic demands regarding agent identification, such as requiring ICE agents to remove masks during operations. Homan clarified that the administration is already meeting high standards of transparency.
“As you see on the letter that was out the other night, we’re talking about identification, badge number, name, either/or because no Border Patrol has the name on their uniform. ICE does have a name on uniforms,” Homan explained.
He further noted that many of the protocols regarding detention access and identification have been in place for years, and that the current situation on the ground during targeted enforcement operations is being handled with professional rigor.
“The detention standards are the same. They were in the last administration, but there was a problem with access to detention standards,” Homan said. “That problem doesn’t exist anymore. So, a lot of the changes after Minneapolis has already been implemented, and that’s what I’m there to explain to them.”
As the shutdown continues, the ball remains in the Democrats' court. President Trump has made it clear: the era of selective enforcement is over, and the safety of the American people is not up for negotiation.