Tom Homan Asks CBS Reporter: “Are They in the Country Illegally?”

Jimmy ParkerOctober 4, 20264

Trump border czar Tom Homan recently appeared on CBS News for a discussion about ICE, illegal immigration, and deportation. The conversation turned to Florida Republican Maria Elvira Salazar’s criticism of the administration’s enforcement policies. The CBS reporter cited a statistic saying that 50 percent of ICE detainees did not have an additional criminal charge. Homan answered with a simple question: “Are they in the country illegally?” When the reporter said yes, Homan replied, “Then they are deportable.” Apparently, one yes-or-no question was enough to make the issue far less mysterious.

Republican Criticism Over ICE Enforcement

Salazar raised concerns in a campaign ad directed at President Trump, warning that Hispanic voters who helped him win a second term “feel betrayed.” She also said some administration tactics had “gone too far,” pointing to data showing that many ICE detainees lack criminal records. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia was also listed among Republicans with concerns. Homan pushed back directly, asking Salazar to provide an example of where the administration had gone too far. He called that a “pretty bold statement to make,” while saying the administration continues to focus on people viewed as public safety threats.

Homan’s Position on Deportation

Homan’s argument was that public safety priorities and immigration law are not mutually exclusive. He said the administration continues to prioritize people considered threats to public safety, but also stated that anyone in the United States illegally is “deportable by federal law.” He put the point even more bluntly: “If you’re in the country illegally, you got a problem. You shouldn’t be here.” His response focused on the difference between having no additional criminal charge and having lawful immigration status. According to Homan, the absence of another charge does not erase the underlying immigration violation.

The Debate Comes Down to Enforcement

The clip puts the broader argument in plain language. Critics are raising concerns about detainees who do not have additional criminal charges, while Homan is emphasizing that immigration enforcement also applies to people who are in the country unlawfully. He added that everyone he arrests has an opportunity to see a judge and plead their case. Homan’s answer was clear, direct, and not dressed up in a mountain of political jargon.

Tom Homan explaining basic immigration law to a CBS reporter…

CBS: "Rep. Maria Salazar cited the stat that 50% of ICE detainees don't have an additional criminal charge here."

Homan: "Are they in the country illegally?"

CBS: "Yes."

Homan: "Then they are deportable."

CBS:… pic.twitter.com/WloxQkiNok

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