In a fiery address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) last weekend, Trump administration Border Czar Tom Homan delivered an uncompromising message to those crossing U.S. borders illegally—and to cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration efforts. Homan’s remarks, which included chilling promises to arrest and “wipe” criminal aliens from the country, have once again stirred controversy among political pundits and local officials alike.
This in‑depth report examines Homan’s latest warning, the figures he cited, and the broader implications of his statements on federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies.
I. A Stark Warning on Border Security
Speaking to a rapt audience at CPAC, Tom Homan announced that the number of illegal immigrant “gotaways” has dropped dramatically under his administration’s strict enforcement measures. “In 2023, we had about 1,800 gotaways a day,” Homan declared. “Yesterday, that number was just 48. While that’s a huge improvement, 48 is still too many. I’m not going to rest until we get that number down to zero.”
Homan’s emphasis on achieving zero border violations reflects the administration’s broader goal of securing the nation’s borders and preventing illegal entry at all costs. By citing specific numbers, he underscored the effectiveness of his policies while simultaneously setting a very high standard for future performance.
In addition to these figures, Homan highlighted that during President Trump’s first month in the Oval Office, ICE managed to arrest 21,000 illegal aliens. Such statistics, he claimed, prove that the administration’s approach is delivering tangible results. Yet, for Homan, success is measured not just in numbers but in ensuring that no criminal alien escapes federal custody.
II. A Call to Action Against Criminal Alien Gangs
Homan did not mince words when it came to addressing criminal organizations operating along the border. He singled out groups such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and El Salvador’s MS-13—both of which have recently been labeled as foreign terrorist organizations by the administration. “I’m not going to be satisfied until every criminal alien gang member, every criminal alien, every Tren de Aragua is eradicated from this country and sent to Gitmo where they belong,” Homan vowed. His declaration that “he’s going to wipe you off the face of the earth” was aimed squarely at those he holds responsible for what he describes as a reign of terror that has already claimed American lives.
For Homan, these criminal groups are not merely illegal immigrants—they are terrorists responsible for heinous crimes, including child rape and drug trafficking. His uncompromising stance extends to anyone who, in his view, facilitates their operations, whether by selling drugs or by providing any form of assistance. “Anyone who helps these cartels, you are helping a terrorist organization,” he warned, promising severe repercussions for those caught aiding them.
III. The Battle Against Sanctuary Cities
Beyond targeting criminal alien gangs, Homan’s speech also took aim at sanctuary cities—municipalities that have adopted policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. “Sanctuary cities are nothing more than safe havens for criminals,” Homan declared. His criticism was particularly pointed when he addressed Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, who had recently reiterated his city’s policy of not cooperating with ICE.
“You said you doubled down on not helping ICE. I’m coming to Boston, and I’m bringing hell with me,” Homan warned. He accused local officials of failing to uphold the law by releasing known criminals back onto the streets instead of honoring ICE detainers. “If you’re not enforcing the law, then you’re not a police commissioner—you’re a politician,” he added, urging officials to remove their badges and put their priorities in order.
Homan’s rhetoric resonated with many conservatives who believe that sanctuary policies undermine national security and public safety. By linking the issue directly to the safety of American families—citing the prevention of child rapes, fentanyl overdoses, and human trafficking—Homan framed his hardline stance as not only a matter of law enforcement but also a moral imperative to protect citizens.
IV. Celebrating the Efforts of Federal Agencies
Despite his aggressive tone, Homan also took a moment to express gratitude toward federal law enforcement agencies. “God bless the men and women of ICE, the U.S. Marshals, DEA, FBI, ATF, and all our Border Patrol officers,” he stated. His heartfelt acknowledgment of these frontline workers highlights that while his approach is uncompromising, it is also deeply rooted in a desire to safeguard American communities.
For Homan, the successes of these agencies in reducing border violations and detaining illegal aliens are a testament to the administration’s commitment to enforcing the law. Yet, he remains unsatisfied until every violation is eradicated, underscoring his relentless drive to achieve what he views as the ultimate goal: a secure and law‑abiding nation.
V. International Reactions and Domestic Implications
Homan’s bold statements have not only stirred reactions in Washington but have also reverberated on the international stage. Critics argue that his language risks escalating tensions and could alienate the very allies that the United States depends on. However, his supporters see his unyielding approach as necessary to confront what they perceive as decades‑long failures in border security.
Domestically, his remarks have sparked a vigorous debate about the balance between law enforcement and humanitarian considerations in immigration policy. While some view his hardline rhetoric as a crucial step toward restoring order, others worry that it may lead to excessive force and erode civil liberties. The discussion reflects a broader national divide on how best to manage immigration—one that pits security against compassion in an era marked by polarized opinions.
Furthermore, Homan’s focus on reducing “gotaways” and his promise to bring the number down to zero have become rallying points for those advocating stricter border enforcement. The statistics he cited serve as both a benchmark of past progress and a challenge for the future. For many conservatives, this approach is exactly what the country needs to regain control over its borders and ensure that immigration laws are respected.
VI. Conclusion: A Warning That Won’t Be Ignored
Tom Homan’s latest address at CPAC is a clarion call to those who defy federal immigration laws. His stern warning—promising to arrest every criminal alien and dismantle sanctuary policies—resonates with a segment of the electorate that demands uncompromising security measures. At the same time, his rhetoric raises important questions about the balance between enforcement and human rights, a debate that will undoubtedly continue to evolve in the coming months.
As federal agencies work tirelessly to secure the nation’s borders, Homan’s message serves as a reminder that, for his administration, no violation is too small, and no criminal is too insignificant. With his promise to “wipe you off the face of the earth” if necessary, Homan has set a high, controversial standard for immigration enforcement—one that will be closely watched as policies and public sentiments continue to clash.
In this era of heightened polarization, his uncompromising stance may be exactly what his supporters believe is needed to bring about a more secure and law‑abiding America. Whether this approach will lead to lasting change or further controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Tom Homan’s warning is a message that his administration intends to stand by, no matter the cost.
