Border Czar Homan Declines to Defend Noem, Admits Ongoing Disagreements

Homan acknowledges tensions with DHS Secretary Noem over immigration enforcement approaches.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a recent interview, former Border Patrol official Tom Homan declined to defend Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem against criticism from a Minnesota politician, admitting that he and Noem still disagree on immigration enforcement tactics. Homan acknowledged the ongoing tensions between the two, saying that 'you can't fix problems talking in an echo chamber' and that 'people have different opinions on how you're doing it.'

Why it matters

The disagreement between Homan and Noem highlights the ongoing policy debates within the Trump administration over immigration enforcement, with Homan preferring to prioritize targeting criminal illegal aliens while Noem has pushed for broader sweeps. This tension reflects the broader political divisions over immigration issues.

The details

In the interview, Homan brushed aside a complaint from a Minnesota politician that Noem and former Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino were 'insane' in their approach. Homan recounted how President Trump had dispatched him to Minnesota, where he 'just did things the way I've done for 40 years.' However, Homan admitted that he disagrees with Noem, seemingly confirming an ongoing power struggle between the two officials.

  • Homan was dispatched to Minnesota late last year in response to a massive fraud scandal.
  • Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota last week.

The players

Tom Homan

Former Border Patrol official who was dispatched by President Trump to Minnesota to address immigration enforcement issues.

Kristi Noem

Homeland Security Secretary who has reportedly clashed with Homan over immigration enforcement tactics, preferring broader sweeps over Homan's focus on targeting criminal illegal aliens.

Greg Bovino

Former Border Patrol commander-at-large who was criticized by a Minnesota politician along with Noem for an 'insane' approach to immigration enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“You can't fix problems talking in an echo chamber. You got to talk to the people that you may disagree with. People have different opinions on how you're doing it?”

— Tom Homan (CNN)

What’s next

Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota last week, but it remains to be seen how the ongoing tensions between him and Noem will play out in the administration's future immigration enforcement efforts.

The takeaway

The disagreement between Homan and Noem highlights the deep divisions within the Trump administration over immigration policy, with career officials like Homan preferring a more targeted approach while political appointees like Noem push for broader crackdowns. This tension reflects the broader political debates over immigration that will likely continue to play out in the coming years.