Tom Homan is sending a blunt message to immigration activists and the politicians who support them, saying he is done “playing nice” with people who interfere with federal immigration operations.
Speaking to reporters outside an ICE detention facility in San Recto, California, Homan said the approach going forward would be considerably tougher.
“Today we are taking our gloves off,” Homan said. “No more walking on eggshells with these crazies.”
Homan said federal officers have been instructed to take action when activists or other individuals interfere with investigations being conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
According to Homan, officers will not simply stand by while people attempt to disrupt operations, confront agents or interfere with ongoing investigations.
“Try to interfere with any investigations by either CBP or ICE and you will be held and charged,” Homan said.
His comments immediately drew attention because of the increasingly heated confrontations that have taken place between immigration activists and federal authorities in the political debate surrounding border enforcement.
Homan argued that federal officers should be able to perform their duties without being harassed, followed or placed in potentially dangerous situations.
He also took particular aim at activists who arrive with cameras and media crews while federal officers are carrying out their work.
“The next crazy with a camera crew who comes along and endangers my men will be locked up in a cell,” Homan said.
The comments reflect the increasingly confrontational tone surrounding immigration enforcement, where activists and federal officials have frequently found themselves on opposite sides of highly charged disputes.
Homan said officers should not be expected to tolerate behavior that crosses the line from protest into interference with federal operations.
“We respect people’s right to speak,” Homan said. “We respect the right to protest. But you don’t have the right to interfere with federal officers doing their jobs.”
He also criticized politicians who, in his view, encourage activists to confront immigration officers while remaining removed from the situations themselves.
Homan said politicians should think carefully about the consequences of encouraging confrontations with federal personnel.
“You can disagree with the policy,” he said. “You can criticize me. You can protest. But when you put my officers in danger or interfere with an investigation, that’s a different situation.”
The remarks quickly became another flashpoint in the ongoing political fight over immigration enforcement.
Supporters of Homan’s position praised the tougher language, arguing that federal officers should not have to worry about being obstructed while carrying out their responsibilities.
Critics, meanwhile, would likely view the comments as an escalation in the already tense relationship between immigration activists and federal authorities.
Homan, however, appeared unmoved.
He said his priority was protecting his officers and ensuring they could perform their duties without unnecessary interference.
“We’ve been patient,” Homan said. “We’ve explained the rules. We’ve given people plenty of opportunities to do the right thing.”
Then he delivered his final warning.
“That patience is over,” Homan said. “We’re going to enforce the law.”