Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's point man for mass deportations and border security, told Newsmax on Tuesday that the administration is dramatically stepping up interior enforcement and deportations, even as media reports suggest a power shift at the Department of Homeland Security.
Senior DHS sources reportedly alleged that Immigration and Customs Enforcement field chiefs in several cities could be replaced with Border Patrol officials to accelerate removals.
There also is a report about a rift in DHS, with Homan and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons on one side, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Greg Bovino, commander in charge of U.S. Border Patrol, on another.
Homan did not address the reports directly on "Rob Schmitt Tonight" but said the administration is in "lockstep" in its goal of finding and deporting illegal immigrants.
"We've all been pushing for more arrests, more deportations," he said.
"I said from Day One, I don't think DHS or Secretary Noem disagrees with, is the president wants to prioritize public safety threats and national security threats.
"I've also said from Day One that if you're in the country legally, you're not off the table.
"Prioritization doesn't mean you forget about everybody else.
"So, the results speak for themselves.
This administration is in lockstep, and we're doing what President Trump promised the American people we would do to make this country safer by removing public safety threats," Homan said.
The border czar touted what he called a record year for enforcement.
The administration will reach roughly 600,000 deportations by year's end, and Homan credited "1,000 arrest teams" for prompting roughly 1.5 million illegals to self-deport.
He also said the administration is hiring thousands of new deportation officers and expanding detention capacity — assertions consistent with funding provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that backstopped ICE with new beds, transport contracts, and hiring authority.
Homan said the OBBB funding will let ICE hire more deportation officers, increase transportation contracts and provide places to hold detainees while removal logistics are arranged.
He predicted removals will accelerate as new staff come on line.
Asked whether everyone who entered under the Biden administration can be removed during the remainder of Trump's second term, Homan said flatly: "We'll give it one hell of a shot."
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Michael Katz ✉
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.