As congressional Democrats continue efforts to block a funding bill tied to new reform measures for immigration agents, President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan is sounding the alarm — accusing Democrats of putting politics ahead of national security.
Negotiations remain ongoing, with the Department of Homeland Security facing the possibility of a partial government shutdown if lawmakers fail to reach an agreement by the end of the day Friday. Democrats have sought to withhold support for the funding bill unless DHS institutes additional reforms affecting immigration enforcement personnel.
Homan, however, made clear he believes the stakes are far too high for political maneuvering.
“They care more about politics than the safety and security of this nation,” Homan said of congressional Democrats. “You’re talking, not funding the Coast Guard, who have stopped multiple loads of drugs coming into this country. You’re gonna defund TSA, who keeps our skies safe. You’re gonna defund Secret Service. I mean, put politics aside. This is about safety and security of this nation.”
The funding dispute has placed key DHS components — including the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, and Secret Service — in the middle of the political crossfire. Homan argued that withholding funding for these agencies would directly impact public safety, warning that critical operations could be jeopardized if lawmakers fail to act.
Despite the looming deadline, Homan emphasized that Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not grind to a halt even if the broader DHS funding measure stalls. He pointed to the $85 billion allocated to ICE in what he referred to as the Big Beautiful Bill, saying the agency has the financial resources needed to continue its enforcement mission.
“ICE has all the money they want to keep doing the job,” Homan said. “Of course, the men and women long term won’t be getting paid, but will continue to do operations. They’ll continue taking people off the street.”
His comments underscore a key distinction in the funding battle: while certain DHS operations could be affected by a lapse in appropriations, ICE’s enforcement activities are positioned to move forward regardless of the immediate outcome in Congress.
Homan also addressed recent developments in Minnesota, where immigration enforcement actions have drawn attention and sparked controversy. He made clear that those events would not deter the administration’s broader immigration agenda.
“Let me be clear. Mass deportations will continue. We’re not going back. President Trump promised mass deportation. That’s exactly what the American people are gonna get,” Homan said. “We’re gonna enforce immigration laws. If you’re in this country illegally, we’re coming for you.”
The border czar’s remarks reflect the administration’s firm stance on immigration enforcement, even as negotiations with Democrats remain unresolved. With the funding deadline fast approaching, lawmakers face mounting pressure to strike a deal — or risk a shutdown that could affect critical national security functions.
For Homan and the Trump administration, the message is unmistakable: immigration enforcement will not pause, and the president’s pledge of mass deportations remains central to the agenda moving forward.
