(This article is inspired by Tom Homan’s recent NewsNation interview on the border crisis)
The southern border isn’t just a line on a map—it’s a flashpoint for national security, humanitarian crises, and political showdowns. At the center of this battle is Tom Homan, the man tapped by Donald Trump to be his new “Border Czar.”
With over three decades of experience under six U.S. presidents, Homan has seen it all: the policies that work, the ones that fail, and the human tragedies that demand immediate action.
Homan’s no-nonsense approach to border security is as tough as it is compassionate. He’s spent his career fighting to protect not just the sovereignty of the U.S., but also the lives of those caught in the crossfire. And now, under Trump’s likely return, he’s ready to lead the charge once more.
“A Secure Border Saves Lives”
For Homan, the immigration crisis isn’t just a political issue—it’s deeply personal. He’s walked the desert trails littered with bodies of migrants who didn’t make it. He has stood in the back of trailers packed with dead victims of human smuggling, including a 5-year-old boy who suffocated in the heat. He’s talked to young girls, as young as nine, raped repeatedly by cartel members.
“This can be fixed,” Homan insists, his voice a mix of determination and urgency. “We need to secure the border—not just for America’s safety, but to save lives. There’s no downside to a secure border.”
The Border Crisis by the Numbers
Homan lays out the facts:
Under President Trump, border crossings hit a record low of 300,000 annually. Policies like "Remain in Mexico" and Title 42 worked as deterrents.
Under Biden, crossings skyrocketed to 1.7 million in his first year, as lenient policies and a post-pandemic economy fueled migration.
Today, over 3 million asylum cases are pending, leaving migrants in limbo for an average of four years.
Nearly 2 million individuals evaded capture in recent years, many of whom deliberately avoid being processed—a troubling sign of criminal intent.
“The Biden administration turned the most secure border in my lifetime into a historic crisis,” Homan says bluntly. “You can’t have national security without border security.”
The Role of Cartels: America’s Shadow Enemy
The border isn’t just about migrants—it’s about cartels. Once a group of loosely organized smugglers, cartels are now billion-dollar enterprises, controlling drug trafficking, human smuggling, and even distribution networks across the U.S.
“Cartels are no longer just a Mexican problem,” Homan warns. “They’re in 42 countries and embedded in every major U.S. city.” He supports Trump’s plan to designate cartels as terrorist organizations, which would allow military action against their operations.
“Cartels have killed more Americans than all terrorist groups combined,” Homan says. “It’s time we treated them like the threat they are.”
Fixing the Border: Homan’s Three-Step Plan
Homan isn’t one to just point out problems—he’s got solutions. When asked how to fix the crisis, his response is direct and actionable:
End the Flores Settlement Agreement:
Allow families to be detained in residential centers until their cases are heard, rather than releasing them into the U.S.Amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPRA):
Close loopholes that allow child trafficking to flourish. Treat all unaccompanied minors the same, regardless of their country of origin, to deter misuse of the law.Reform Asylum Rules:
Raise the threshold for initial asylum claims to prevent fraudulent cases from overwhelming the system.
“These three changes would solve 85% of the problems at the southern border,” Homan says with confidence.
Why Homan Returned to the Fight
After decades of service, Homan could have stayed retired. So why is he back? “Because I care,” he says, voice steady. “I care about the border patrol agents risking their lives. I care about the migrants being exploited by cartels. And I care about the future of this country.”
Homan knows his tough stance makes him a target. Cartels have issued death threats against him and his family. But he’s unfazed. “I’ve faced worse. This fight is too important to back down.”
Tom Homan’s leadership is a critical voice in the border debate. Whether or not Washington listens, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Hot Zone With Chuck Holton
