Homan Denies Involvement in Sackets Harbor Immigration Operation, Defends Agencies’ Actions
Former Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan, a seasonal resident of Sackets Harbor, New York, has vehemently denied any prior knowledge or involvement in the March 27 immigration operation that resulted in the detention of a South African woman and her three children, along with seven farmworkers. Homan insists he was only alerted to the situation after it unfolded by Assemblyman Scott Gray. He emphasized that his role as a border policy advisor to former President Trump does not entail direct involvement in specific Border Patrol or ICE operations. Instead, Homan says he focuses on strategic border security planning, particularly regarding public safety and national security threats. He highlighted his current efforts to locate approximately 300,000 children who were released to sponsors during the Biden administration, expressing concern for their safety and well-being.
Homan also addressed what he termed "misinformation" circulating about the incident. He asserted that law enforcement obtained a valid federal warrant before entering the property where the family lived, authorizing a search of all buildings as part of a child pornography investigation. He refuted claims that Border Patrol and ICE agents conducted door-to-door searches for undocumented immigrants, stating that their actions were confined to the parameters of the warrant. He also disputed assertions that the family had been in the United States for 15 years, stating that they entered illegally in June 2022, were deported, and re-entered illegally in August 2023. He underscored the importance of legal immigration processes, emphasizing that millions of individuals comply with these procedures.
The family was subsequently transported to a family residential center in Texas, the nearest facility of its kind, for further investigation and interviews. Homan stressed that such centers are designed for families, not criminals, and offer a more humane environment compared to jails or prisons. He detailed the family’s experience at the center, including health screenings and the option for mental health evaluation, which they declined. After being interviewed by Homeland Security Investigations, they were released on April 6 while their deportation proceedings continue. Homan maintained that ICE made the decision to release the family independently, without any input from him.
Homan categorically rejected any connection between the family’s release and the April 5 protest outside his Sackets Harbor home, where approximately 1,000 people demonstrated. He reiterated that the release was solely contingent on the progress of the criminal investigation. He emphasized that he played no role in ordering the operation, the detention, or the release, and became involved only because the incident occurred in his home community.
Homan expressed concern about the spread of misinformation and its divisive impact on the Sackets Harbor community. He defended law enforcement agencies, stating that their personnel work tirelessly to protect the nation and communities, and urged the public to understand the difficult nature of their work. While acknowledging the right to criticize him, he called for such criticism to be based on facts. He further addressed the issue of doxxing and the resulting security concerns for himself and his family. He noted that he has received numerous death threats from various sources, including criminal cartels and terrorist organizations, but remains resolute in carrying out his duties.
He stressed that he has a 24-hour security detail at his Virginia home and always travels with security due to the volume and severity of the threats. He further discussed the criminal investigation launched into the doxxing incident, emphasizing the serious nature of releasing private information for the purpose of harassment. Despite the personal attacks, he reaffirmed his commitment to his work and his willingness to accept criticism as long as it is grounded in factual information.
Homan reiterated his love for the Sackets Harbor community and expressed hope for its healing. He stood by his actions and those of the agencies he supports, stating that he makes no apologies for carrying out the border security policies of the Trump administration. He highlighted the administration’s achievements, including a claimed 95% reduction in illegal immigration and the apprehension of a record number of individuals deemed national security threats. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement personnel and recognizing their efforts in protecting the nation’s borders.
