Border Czar Defends ICE Tactics Amid Calls for Reform

Tom Homan says ICE agents must wear masks for protection due to rising threats and assaults.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Border czar Tom Homan defended the tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, including wearing masks during operations, amid calls from Democrats for reforms such as requiring agents to show IDs, wear body cameras, and obtain judicial warrants before entering private property. Homan argued that the measures are necessary due to a 1,500% increase in threats against ICE officers and an 8,000% increase in actual assaults.

Why it matters

The debate over ICE's tactics and the safety of its agents highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement in the United States. As Democrats push for greater oversight and transparency, the border czar's defense of current practices underscores the challenges in finding a balance between protecting agents and respecting civil liberties.

The details

Homan, who previously served as a high-ranking ICE official during the Obama administration, pushed back on the Democrats' reform proposals. He argued that ICE agents already do enough to identify themselves and that the face coverings are necessary due to the threats and assaults they face. Homan also denied that ICE engages in racial profiling, stating that agents detain and question individuals based on reasonable suspicion, not race. The border czar's comments come amid ongoing clashes between ICE and protesters, including two deadly incidents in Minnesota during 'Operation Metro Surge' where ICE agents located thousands of missing unaccompanied children and arrested over 4,000 people.

  • On Feb. 15, Tom Homan was interviewed on CBS's 'Face The Nation'.
  • On Jan. 7, an ICE officer fatally shot a protester, Renee Good, in her SUV during an ICE operation in Minneapolis.
  • Weeks later, Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent and a customs officer as he protested their efforts to arrest an illegal immigrant with a criminal record.

The players

Tom Homan

The border czar who previously served as a high-ranking official for ICE during the Obama administration.

Renee Good

A protester who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in her SUV during an ICE operation in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

A protester who was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent and a customs officer as he protested their efforts to arrest an illegal immigrant with a criminal record.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal department responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism and other threats, including immigration enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“I don't like the masks either, but because threats against ICE officers, you know, are up over 1,500 percent, actual assaults and threats are up over 8,000 percent, these men and women have to protect themselves.”

— Tom Homan, Border Czar (Face The Nation)

“They want to say, stop racial profiling. That's just not occurring. I mean, ICE will detain, briefly detain and question, but question somebody based on reasonable suspicion. It has nothing to do with racial profiling.”

— Tom Homan, Border Czar (Face The Nation)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.