White House Border Czar Warned Against Sweeping Immigration Raids

Tom Homan said federal operations should be targeted, not broad, to maintain public support.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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According to a forthcoming book, former White House border czar Tom Homan warned last year that federal immigration enforcement operations should be targeted rather than sweeping in order to keep the support of the American people. Homan's remarks came after high-profile raids in Los Angeles and other cities sparked backlash in migrant communities.

Why it matters

The book's revelations about Homan's past statements come as the administration faces growing public scrutiny over its immigration enforcement tactics, including a fatal shooting incident in Minneapolis that led to the sidelining of key officials overseeing the crackdown.

The details

In a June 2025 interview for the book 'Undue Process,' Homan said the 'vast majority' of Americans support deporting 'criminal illegal aliens' but that operations need to be done 'in a humane manner.' This contrasted with the sweeping raids carried out under Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino's direction in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. After two U.S. citizens were killed in a Minneapolis incident, President Trump removed Bovino and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from the administration's immigration enforcement efforts and sent Homan to the Twin Cities.

  • In June 2025, Homan gave an interview for the forthcoming book 'Undue Process'.
  • Last month, two U.S. citizens were fatally shot in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation.

The players

Tom Homan

The former White House border czar who warned against sweeping immigration raids in favor of more targeted operations.

Greg Bovino

The Border Patrol commander who oversaw the sweeping immigration raids in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis that sparked backlash.

Kristi Noem

The former Department of Homeland Security Secretary who was sidelined from the administration's immigration enforcement efforts after the fatal Minneapolis incident.

Renee Good

One of the two U.S. citizens fatally shot in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation.

Alex Pretti

One of the two U.S. citizens fatally shot in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation.

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What they’re saying

“The vast majority of the American people think criminal illegal aliens need to leave. And if we stick to that prioritization, I think we keep the faith of the American people. And I think the more we do that, the more the American people will support what President Trump's doing. We got to do it and we've got to do it in a humane manner.”

— Tom Homan, Former White House Border Czar (Undue Process)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case of the fatal Minneapolis shooting incident is expected to rule next week on whether to allow the Border Patrol agents and ICE officers involved to remain in the state.

The takeaway

Homan's past warnings about the need for targeted, humane immigration enforcement highlight the growing tensions over the administration's crackdown tactics, which have faced increasing public backlash even among some Republican and independent voters.