Homan Defends ICE Against Racial Profiling Claims

Former ICE director refutes allegations of racial profiling in immigration enforcement operations.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former ICE Director Tom Homan defended the agency against accusations of racial profiling during immigration enforcement operations, stating that ICE agents detain and question individuals based on reasonable suspicion, not racial profiling. Homan's comments come as Congressional Democrats have demanded reforms to ICE and CBP, including banning racial profiling, as part of negotiations over DHS funding.

Why it matters

The tactics used by ICE as part of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts have drawn sharp scrutiny, with civil rights groups and local officials arguing the operations have disproportionately targeted Latino, Somali, and other minority communities. While federal judges initially ruled against ICE's practices, the Supreme Court ultimately lifted those restrictions. However, lawmakers continue to push for reforms to address allegations of racial profiling.

The details

Homan stated that ICE agents do not engage in racial profiling, and that their actions are based on reasonable suspicion, not race or ethnicity. He acknowledged that lawmakers are debating reforms, including measures to ban racial profiling, require body cameras, and mandate agents identify themselves. Homan said he supports some reforms, such as prohibiting facemasks, but cited concerns about threats against federal officers as a reason to maintain certain security measures.

  • In January 2026, two Americans were fatally shot by federal agents during an ICE operation in Minnesota.

The players

Tom Homan

Former director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

John Garamendi

A Democratic U.S. Representative from California who has called for reforms to ICE, including a hiring freeze and increased accountability measures.

Mike Johnson

A Republican U.S. Representative from Louisiana and House Speaker who has said some proposed ICE reforms are "reasonable" while others will require more negotiation.

Tricia McLaughlin

Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security who has warned that a DHS funding lapse would impact critical national security and emergency operations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Congress needs to pass the Freeze ICE Act to impose a hiring freeze at ICE and put proper accountability measures and procedural reforms in place to ensure the safety of Americans. I am gravely concerned about the steps Trump has taken to try and turn ICE into a secret police force, something that should never happen here in America.”

— John Garamendi, U.S. Representative, California (Statement)

“Here we go again. The new Democrat shutdown — this time of the Dept. of Homeland Security — will hit some VERY important programs like FEMA disaster response, TSA security lines, and Coast Guard operations. That means delayed disaster aid, airport chaos, and weakened law enforcement. Democrats are once again risking public safety just to stage a pointless political stunt.”

— Mike Johnson, U.S. Representative, Louisiana (X (Twitter)

“This funding supports national security and critical national emergency operations, including FEMA responses to a historic snowstorm that is affecting 250 million Americans. Washington may stall, but the safety of the American people will not wait.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Newsweek)

What’s next

Congressional negotiations over DHS funding and ICE reform measures are ongoing, with Democrats pushing for greater accountability and Republicans resisting some proposed changes.

The takeaway

The debate over ICE's tactics and allegations of racial profiling highlights the continued political tensions around immigration enforcement, with both sides arguing over the balance between public safety and civil liberties. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for the future of immigration policy and the operations of federal agencies like ICE.