Tom Homan Corrects Dana Bash After CNN Host Implies ICE Targets Migrants Based on Looks

Border Patrol Official Addresses Immigration Practices

A White House Border Patrol official, Tom Homan, responded to suggestions from CNN’s Dana Bash that federal immigration agents target suspected undocumented immigrants based on their skin color.

This week, the Trump administration initiated a significant Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, deploying around 100 federal agents in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They also issued final deportation orders for undocumented Somalis. During an appearance on “State of the Union,” Homan faced criticism from Bash, who claimed that Somalis were being stopped solely due to their appearance.

“No, that’s not accurate. The law mandates agents complete Fourth Amendment training every six months,” Homan countered when Bash inquired if ICE agents were detaining individuals based on their looks. “They can detain and question people briefly when there’s reasonable suspicion.”

Bash pressed further, asking, “What constitutes those suspicions? Is it their appearance?”

Homan clarified that a person’s race or physical traits alone cannot establish reasonable suspicion. He stated, “Their appearance alone can’t raise that level of suspicion. Many factors are considered, and the Supreme Court recently supported the Trump administration in this regard. There’s a lot of commentary saying the Supreme Court endorsed racial profiling, but that’s not accurate. The Court affirmed that both ICE and Border Patrol use reasonable suspicion standards for inland operations.”

In September 2025, the Supreme Court, by a 6-3 vote, blocked a lower court’s injunction that restricted certain federal immigration enforcement actions. Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that lower courts improperly limited police investigations based on factors like location, profession, language, or perceived race or ethnicity.

As President Trump intensified his criticism of Somalis in the U.S., ICE launched a vigorous operation to deport individuals in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Reports indicate federal prosecutors are investigating a fraud case exceeding $1 billion involving alleged theft from state and federal social services meant for low-income families and autism care.

As of now, authorities confirmed 59 fraud convictions related to nutrition programs and housing assistance during the pandemic, with approximately 86 individuals charged in the scheme—most of whom are of Somali descent.

Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the Somali welfare crisis as merely a “PR stunt,” while state officials accused him of systemic failures in addressing fraud. Recently, Trump also criticized Walz on social media, claiming he failed to prevent the misuse of taxpayer funds by Somalis.