Tom Homan Criticizes Gavin Newsom for Refusing Cooperation with ICE and DHS

In a scathing critique, Tom Homan, the former Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom after the governor refused to direct his state authorities to collaborate with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Homan, known for his outspoken views on immigration and border security, did not hold back in his condemnation of Newsom’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agencies, accusing him of embarrassing the position he holds.

The remarks came as part of Homan’s broader criticism of Newsom’s policies surrounding immigration and law enforcement, particularly his stance against working with federal immigration authorities.

According to Homan, the governor’s actions are not only a disservice to the people of California but also a direct threat to public safety, especially considering the high number of criminal immigrants ICE and DHS have apprehended in the state.

Homan’s criticism was sharp, calling Newsom an “embarrassment” to the office he holds. Speaking directly to Newsom’s refusal to cooperate with ICE, Homan stated, "If he had an ounce of integrity, he would be calling President Trump and thanking him for making LA safer."

The implication of this statement is clear: Homan believes that the policies under the Trump administration, which focused heavily on enforcing immigration laws and removing criminal immigrants from the streets, have contributed significantly to public safety in California.

Homan’s comments went further, as he pointed out that Newsom should be thankful for the efforts of ICE, who have arrested thousands of criminal individuals in California, many of whom he claims were public safety threats.

“He’d be calling the head of ICE and thanking them for the thousands of criminals, public safety threats they’ve taken off the streets of California,” Homan said, emphasizing the role that ICE has played in addressing criminal activity linked to illegal immigration.

According to Homan, Newsom’s refusal to work with federal authorities and acknowledge the impact of their actions could be seen as a lack of leadership and responsibility.

"If the data proves it, anybody can look at the data who we’ve arrested in California, he ought to be thanking us," Homan stated.

For Homan, the data is clear: federal immigration enforcement is a key player in reducing crime and protecting communities in California, and Newsom’s rejection of this cooperation could jeopardize the safety of residents in the state.

The former ICE director also noted that Newsom should be holding himself accountable to the people of California by prioritizing their safety over political allegiances.

Homan’s words were a direct challenge to the governor’s approach, suggesting that by refusing to engage with federal authorities, Newsom was putting his own political agenda ahead of the safety and well-being of his constituents.

In his statement, Homan did not shy away from drawing a comparison between the approach of the Trump administration and Newsom’s stance on immigration.

He referred to the policies under President Trump, which focused on stricter immigration enforcement and the removal of criminal immigrants, as essential in making cities like Los Angeles safer.

Homan’s point was that Newsom’s refusal to cooperate with ICE and DHS undermines the effectiveness of these policies and, by extension, puts the safety of California residents at risk.

Furthermore, Homan singled out South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican, who has been a staunch supporter of federal immigration enforcement.

“He’d be calling Secretary Noem, thanking her,” Homan said, referencing Noem’s support for the Trump administration’s immigration policies and her ongoing advocacy for stronger border enforcement.

Homan’s inclusion of Noem in his remarks highlighted the contrast between the leadership styles of Newsom and other Republican governors, who he argues are more aligned with the priorities of federal immigration enforcement.

At the heart of the dispute between Homan and Newsom lies the broader debate over the role of state and local governments in federal immigration enforcement.

California, under Newsom’s leadership, has been a major proponent of sanctuary policies, which limit local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

These policies are designed to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation and provide them with certain protections under state law.

Critics of sanctuary policies, like Homan, argue that these measures embolden criminals and undermine public safety by preventing federal agencies like ICE from doing their job.

Homan and others contend that when local governments refuse to cooperate with ICE, they essentially allow dangerous criminals to remain in communities, potentially putting law-abiding citizens at risk.

On the other side of the debate, supporters of sanctuary policies argue that they are essential for building trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.

By limiting cooperation with ICE, they believe that immigrants, especially those who are undocumented, will be more likely to report crimes, cooperate with law enforcement, and seek assistance without the fear of deportation.

These advocates emphasize the importance of treating immigrants fairly and humanely, regardless of their legal status, and argue that working with ICE creates fear and distrust within immigrant communities.

Newsom’s stance has garnered both support and criticism. Many of his Democratic supporters applaud his commitment to protecting immigrant rights, viewing sanctuary policies as a vital safeguard for vulnerable communities.

However, critics, including Homan, argue that Newsom’s approach is misguided and dangerous, as it limits the ability of federal immigration authorities to remove criminal immigrants from the streets and prevent further harm to the public.

While Newsom has not directly responded to Homan’s latest remarks, the former ICE director’s comments seem to indicate a growing frustration with the governor’s refusal to work with federal authorities.

Homan, who has long been a vocal advocate for tougher immigration enforcement, made it clear that he would continue to hold Newsom and other politicians who oppose federal immigration policies accountable for the consequences of their decisions.

“We’re gonna be in LA today, we’re gonna be in LA tomorrow, we’re gonna be in every California city. We’ll be in San Diego, I was in San Diego,” Homan said, signaling his intent to continue raising awareness about the impact of sanctuary policies and the importance of federal cooperation with local law enforcement.

His words suggest that he and other members of the pro-enforcement community will be ramping up their efforts in California, focusing on both public education and direct action in cities across the state.

In the meantime, Newsom is likely to continue defending his policies, arguing that protecting immigrants, particularly undocumented ones, is an essential part of California’s values and commitment to fairness.

The political standoff between Newsom and Homan underscores the ongoing ideological divide in the United States over how best to handle immigration, crime, and law enforcement.

The clash between Homan and Newsom reflects the broader national divide over immigration policy, which remains one of the most contentious issues in U.S. politics.

On one side are those who advocate for strict enforcement of immigration laws and believe that sanctuary policies endanger public safety. On the other side are those who emphasize the need for comprehensive immigration reform that treats undocumented immigrants with dignity and provides them with opportunities to live and work legally in the U.S.

As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Homan’s outspoken criticism will have any effect on Newsom’s stance or if the governor will remain committed to his sanctuary policies.

What is clear, however, is that the issue of immigration will continue to shape political discourse in California and across the country for the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, Tom Homan’s callout of Gavin Newsom highlights the deep divisions within the U.S. on immigration policy and the role of local governments in enforcing federal laws.

As both sides prepare for an ongoing battle over immigration reform, the safety of communities and the protection of immigrant rights remain at the forefront of the national conversation.