Homan Denies Involvement in Sackets Harbor Immigration Operation, Defends Agency Actions
Thomas D. Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and current border advisor to former President Donald Trump, has vehemently denied any involvement in the planning or execution of a March 27 immigration operation in Sackets Harbor, New York, his seasonal hometown. The operation, which stemmed from a child pornography investigation, resulted in the detention of a South African woman and her three children, along with seven farmworkers for immigration violations. Homan insists he was unaware of the operation until after it had concluded, learning about it from Assemblyman Scott A. Gray. He emphasized that his role as a border advisor does not involve oversight of specific ICE or Border Patrol operations, stating that he focuses on strategic planning for border security, particularly against public safety and national security threats.
Homan’s current priority, he stated, is locating approximately 300,000 "missing" children who were released to “unvetted sponsors” during the Biden administration. He expressed concern that many of these children may be victims of forced labor or sex trafficking, underscoring the urgency of their recovery. Addressing what he characterized as misinformation surrounding the Sackets Harbor incident, Homan clarified that law enforcement had obtained a federal warrant to search all buildings on the property where the family and farmworkers were located, debunking claims that authorities were conducting door-to-door searches for undocumented immigrants. He also refuted claims that the family had been in the US for 15 years, stating that they entered illegally in June 2022, were deported, and then re-entered illegally in August 2023.
Homan defended the detention of the family in a Texas family residential center, describing the facility as designed specifically for families, not criminals, and emphasizing its non-carceral nature. He detailed their processing, which included a health screening, an offered but declined mental health review, and interviews with Homeland Security Investigations to determine if they were victims or witnesses to a crime. They were subsequently released on April 6 while their deportation proceedings continue. Homan stressed that the decision to release the family rested solely with ICE and was independent of any external pressures, including a protest outside his Sackets Harbor home. He dismissed any connection between the protest and the family’s release as "ridiculous".
The former ICE director expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, which he believes has fueled unnecessary division within the Sackets Harbor community. He reiterated his commitment to his duties and emphasized that while he is open to criticism, it should be based on facts. He also expressed concern for his family’s safety, citing death threats he has received due to his work. He revealed that he has a 24-hour security detail at his Virginia residence and travels with security. Homan emphasized that the protests and personal attacks would not deter him from fulfilling his responsibilities.
Homan defended the Trump administration’s border policies, claiming a 95% reduction in illegal immigration and a record number of arrests of individuals deemed national security or terrorist threats. He urged understanding and support for the work of Border Patrol and ICE agents, highlighting their role in protecting communities and apprehending dangerous individuals. He invited criticism directed at him rather than the agents carrying out their duties. Homan concluded by expressing his hope for the Sackets Harbor community to heal and reiterated his love for the community, while refusing to apologize for his work.
While acknowledging the community’s right to disagree with him, Homan appealed for factual discourse and understanding of the complex issues surrounding immigration enforcement. He expressed his commitment to border security and defending the actions of the agencies he oversees, emphasizing that his motivation stems from a desire to protect national security and public safety. Homan’s assertions underscore the contentious nature of immigration policy and enforcement in the United States, particularly in the context of the Trump administration’s hardline stance. The Sackets Harbor incident, while seemingly localized, serves as a microcosm of the broader national debate surrounding immigration and border security.