In a recent interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on April 27, 2025, White House border czar Tom Homan addressed reports that three U.S. citizen children were deported to Honduras alongside their mothers, who were in the U.S. illegally. Homan stated he was “not aware” of the specific case, which included a 4-year-old with Stage 4 cancer, a 2-year-old, and a 7-year-old, according to advocacy groups and the families’ lawyers. The children were removed from Louisiana on April 25, prompting legal and ethical questions about the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown.
Homan, a key figure in President Donald Trump’s immigration strategy, emphasized that no U.S. citizen children were “deported,” as deportation requires an immigration judge’s order, which does not apply to citizens. He argued the mothers chose to take their children with them, stating, “That’s a parent’s decision, not the United States government.” Homan maintained that due process was followed, citing the mothers’ immigration hearings, and suggested that having a U.S. citizen child does not exempt undocumented parents from deportation. “It’s not a get out of jail free card,” he said, warning that leniency could encourage illegal crossings.
The case has drawn scrutiny, particularly after a Trump-appointed federal judge, Terry Doughty, expressed “strong suspicion” that the 2-year-old was removed with “no meaningful process.” Advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, allege the 4-year-old with cancer was deported without medication or medical consultation, raising humanitarian concerns. Attorneys claim Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ignored available U.S.-based caregivers, contradicting Homan’s assertion of parental choice. The National Immigration Project’s Gracie Willis stated ICE was aware of relatives willing to care for the children but offered no alternatives.
Homan’s comments reflect the administration’s broader deportation strategy, which has deported 139,000 migrants since January 20, 2025, though monthly numbers lag behind the Biden era due to fewer border crossings. He has prioritized public safety and national security threats but insists all undocumented immigrants are subject to removal. Posts on X show polarized reactions, with some praising Homan’s tough stance and others criticizing the lack of compassion, especially for the sick child.
The controversy highlights tensions in Trump’s immigration policy, which avoids family separations by deporting families together, unlike the first term’s “zero tolerance” policy Homan helped design. Critics argue this approach effectively exiles U.S. citizens, violating their rights. Supporters, including Homan, frame it as upholding the law, blaming parents for entering illegally. As legal battles continue, with a hearing scheduled for May 16, the administration faces pressure to clarify its process and address humanitarian concerns. The outcome could shape public perception of Trump’s immigration agenda and influence future policy on mixed-status families, with roughly 4 million U.S. citizen children living with undocumented parents
