At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February 2025, Tom Homan, President Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” delivered a fiery warning to illegal immigrants and terrorist groups, declaring that the Trump administration would “wipe you off the face of the earth.” The blunt message, aimed at criminal migrants and groups like MS-13 and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, underscored Homan’s aggressive stance on border security and immigration enforcement. As a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homan’s remarks reflect the administration’s commitment to a hardline deportation policy, sparking both fervent support and sharp criticism.
Homan’s speech highlighted ICE’s early successes, claiming 21,000 arrests of illegal immigrants in Trump’s first month. He singled out criminal gangs, recently designated as “foreign terrorist organizations,” vowing to eradicate them and send members to Guantanamo Bay. “I’m not satisfied until every criminal alien gang member is gone,” Homan said, emphasizing public safety. He also addressed sanctuary cities, slamming Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox for doubling down on non-cooperation with ICE. “I’m coming to Boston, and I’m bringing hell with me,” Homan warned, accusing Cox of releasing child rapists by ignoring ICE detainers. His rhetoric resonated with CPAC attendees, who see him as a patriot tackling border chaos.
Critics, however, condemn Homan’s approach as fearmongering. Immigrant advocacy groups, like those cited in ABC News, argue that targeting schools and communities for enforcement sows terror among law-abiding immigrants. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops criticized the policy for turning “places of solace into fear.” Homan’s claim that illegal entry itself justifies arrests—because it’s a crime—has alarmed civil liberties advocates, who warn of mass deportations disrupting families and economies. Over 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the U.S., and Homan’s “collateral arrests” in sanctuary cities could ensnare non-criminals, escalating tensions.
Homan’s plans face logistical and legal hurdles. Mass deportations require congressional funding, and while private prisons are expanding to accommodate detentions, the scale is daunting. Courts have historically protected state autonomy, as seen in rulings upholding sanctuary policies. Posts on X reflect the divide: @GuntherEagleman praises Homan’s resolve, while @TheTNHoller calls him a “kidnapping czar” for bypassing due process. Homan insists operations will be “humane,” targeting public safety threats first, but his “shock and awe” rhetoric suggests a broader net.
The CPAC speech cements Homan’s role as a polarizing figure in Trump’s immigration agenda. Supporters see him as delivering on campaign promises to secure the border and combat crime, while opponents fear a humanitarian crisis. As Homan pushes forward, coordinating military and ICE efforts, the nation braces for a contentious chapter in immigration policy, with global and domestic implications hanging in the balance.
