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cover of episode The Man in Charge of Trump’s Border Policy

The Man in Charge of Trump’s Border Policy

2024/11/14
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The Run-Up

Key Insights

Why did Tom Homan join the Border Patrol?

Homan was inspired by his family's history in law enforcement and his own experiences near the Canadian border, where he saw the work of Border Patrol agents firsthand.

What was Tom Homan's role in the Trump administration?

Homan served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and played a key role in the implementation of the family separation policy.

How did Tom Homan view the family separation policy?

Homan defended the policy, arguing that it was intended to deter dangerous journeys and save lives by preventing people from falling into the hands of criminal cartels.

What was Tom Homan's stance on illegal immigration?

Homan was anti-illegal immigration, based on his extensive experience in law enforcement and his belief that illegal entry violates the laws of the United States.

How did Tom Homan respond to accusations of racism?

Homan denied being a racist or white nationalist, emphasizing his commitment to enforcing laws that he believes are designed to secure the country and save lives.

What was Tom Homan's view on the impact of illegal immigration on American workers?

Homan cited examples of American workers being underbid by companies using illegal labor, leading to job losses and economic hardship for U.S. citizens.

How did Tom Homan's approach to immigration enforcement change under different administrations?

Homan maintained that he executed the priorities of each administration he served, whether under Obama or Trump, but acknowledged that each had different directives and priorities.

What was Tom Homan's proudest achievement in his career?

Homan cited his work in saving lives, both through his direct actions and through the policies he implemented, as his greatest accomplishment.

How did Tom Homan view the political rhetoric around immigration?

Homan expressed frustration with the politicization of immigration, arguing that it detracts from the serious issues of national security and public safety.

What does Tom Homan believe is the primary purpose of immigration enforcement?

Homan believes that immigration enforcement is essential for national security, public safety, and protecting American workers from unfair competition.

Chapters

Tom Homan, a key figure in Trump's immigration policies, discusses his role in the family separation policy and his views on border security.
  • Homan was the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the first Trump administration.
  • He played a crucial role in the controversial family separation policy.
  • Homan views Trump's policies as essential for border security and saving lives.

Shownotes Transcript

President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees and major appointments — which have arrived quickly in the days since he won the election — are more than just a list of allies. The roster is a window into how he sees the mission of a second term.

One* *priority will be immigration and border control, and, more specifically, Trump’s campaign promise of “mass deportations.”

On Sunday night, Trump announced the person he was putting in charge of this effort: Tom Homan).

Homan was the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the first Trump administration, and he played a key role in the family separation policy.

Back in March 2023, we went to see Homan speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference, known as CPAC. After his panel, we sat down to discuss his views on the border and how he and Trump might institute their preferred policies, like mass deportation, if given the chance.

Which of course, they now have been.

On today’s show, that candid interview from 2023 with Tom Homan, and a possible glimpse at our immigration future.

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