Trump Appoints Hard-Line Border Czar To Tackle Immigration

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed immigration hardliner Thomas Homan as the new “border czar.”

“There is nobody better at policing and controlling our borders than Tom,” Trump announced on his Truth Social platform, adding that Homan will lead efforts to deport illegal immigrants back to their countries of origin. Trump also highlighted Homan's responsibility over “the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security,” in addition to managing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump's recent win against Vice President Kamala Harris, who had previously overseen border issues in the Biden administration, has reinforced his commitment to border security—an emphasis of both his first term and his 2020 and 2024 campaigns.

The Department of Homeland Security has reported that illegal border crossings rose during Biden's administration, reaching around 3 million in fiscal year 2024, with a total of approximately 10.8 million encounters since FY 2021.

In a Fox News interview, Homan explained that deportations under his leadership would be conducted as “a humane operation” and described the process as a “well-targeted, planned operation” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Trump has consistently argued that illegal immigration brings crime, drugs, and human trafficking into the U.S. “They’re rough people, in many cases from jails, prisons, from mental institutions, insane asylums,” Trump remarked.

This appointment is the first of many positions Trump will need to fill, with Susie Wiles, his co-campaign manager, already named as the White House chief of staff.

Meanwhile, Biden and Trump plan to meet at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the transition ahead of the January inauguration. Biden assured that the transition would be “peaceful and orderly,” reaffirming his commitment to his duties as president and to a “peaceful transfer of power.”

Trump’s victory not only defeated Democratic nominee Kamala Harris but also helped Republicans secure historic wins in state legislatures across the nation. Republicans have flipped the Senate and are on track to retain control of the House, albeit with a narrow majority.

Trump’s historic win—making him the second president after Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms—has prompted significant introspection within the Democratic Party, as figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may see their influence wane in the face of new Republican gains.