Story perspectives

Border Czar Calls for Mask Mandate Amid Soaring Threats

2/17/2026

Center

Homan Urges Enforcement

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, says immigration enforcement officers must wear masks because threats have risen 1,500% and assaults 8,000%.
He criticizes Democratic reforms as "unreasonable" and states ICE operates within federal law.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says there must be "dramatic change" before any Department of Homeland Security funding is approved.
Rep. Robert Garcia urges Republicans to take a stronger stance on ICE's conduct.

Right

Homan Critiques Noem

Tom Homan expressed ongoing tensions with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a CNN interview.
He did not defend Noem when criticized for immigration enforcement and favors targeting criminal illegal aliens over broad sweeps.
He refrained from commenting on ICE- and Border Patrol shootings to allow investigations to proceed without interference.
Noem publicly praised him, but reports say she is frustrated with his media presence and seeks to outshine him.

1 of 2

Homan Urges Enforcement

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, says immigration enforcement officers must wear masks because threats have risen 1,500% and assaults 8,000%.
He criticizes Democratic reforms as "unreasonable" and states ICE operates within federal law.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says there must be "dramatic change" before any Department of Homeland Security funding is approved.
Rep. Robert Garcia urges Republicans to take a stronger stance on ICE's conduct.

1 / 2