Tom Homan, who oversees border enforcement, expressed his discomfort with masks on Thursday. However, he asserted that immigration officials, along with their families, had been doxxed and therefore required masks for their protection during recent confrontations.
“I’m not a fan of masks, but ICE officials really do need them due to the threats their families face. I can speak from experience—this is not just a minor issue; their families are at risk,” Homan remarked to reporters at the White House.
He further questioned why lawmakers who are pushing legislation against mask mandates were not at the forefront of discussions. “Why haven’t these lawmakers been out there while we see no legislation targeting the real issues like violent backlash?” Homan added, highlighting a disconnect in political priorities.
Critics, including Democrats and activists, have raised concerns about masked ICE agents, claiming it’s an effort to instill fear in the community and shield agents from accountability. The administration, however, defends the use of masks, stating they are essential for the safety of their personnel.
Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., publicly condemned the actions of masked ICE agents in the city, linking it to a broader criticism following President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to crack down on crime.
“Masked ICE agents aren’t contributing to community safety. Law enforcement from other locations aren’t leveraging resources effectively,” she stated during a press conference.
In response, Homan asserted that immigration officials have had a positive impact. “D.C. is safer today. If she had any integrity, she’d thank President Trump for enhancing safety in the city,” he remarked.
Additionally, Homan confirmed discussions about possibly utilizing a naval base near Chicago to assist with the influx of migrants in the city. “It’s under consideration, maybe we’ll have more details by the end of the day,” he noted.
