Border czar Tom Homan responded forcefully to Sen. Cory Booker’s criticism of ICE’s deployment to U.S. airports, accusing the New Jersey Democrat of spreading misinformation and inciting hostility against federal agents.
Booker condemned the Trump administration’s move, calling it an 'outrage' and claiming ICE agents have 'recklessly' targeted schools, churches, hospitals, and homes. Homan, during an appearance on 'Hannity,' challenged Booker to provide evidence of such operations, stating, 'I want him to give me one example, just one, when ICE went into a church to arrest somebody, or we went into a hospital to arrest somebody, or we went to an elementary school to arrest somebody. Just give me just one example. You know why he can’t? Because there isn’t any.'
'You’re damn right, we went in there and arrested him near the front door,' Homan said, referencing a case where an illegal immigrant was apprehended near an education center.
Homan also criticized Booker for 'driving the violence' against ICE agents by mischaracterizing their operations. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over ICE’s role in enforcing immigration laws, particularly in sanctuary cities and at transportation hubs. Booker’s office has not yet issued a response to Homan’s remarks.
The controversy comes as ICE agents are deployed to airports nationwide to address security concerns amid a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democrats have echoed Booker’s concerns, alleging potential risks to traveler safety from 'untrained' agents.