
Border Czar Tom Homan lives apart from his wife due to escalating death threats, a stark reminder of the personal sacrifices made by those enforcing America’s immigration laws.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Homan has been forced to live separately from his wife due to death threats against him and his family
- Since his appointment as border czar by President Trump, border crossings have decreased significantly
- Homan returned to government service at Trump’s personal request, taking a substantial pay cut to leave his private sector role
- His wife supported his decision to return despite the financial and personal sacrifices involved
- ICE operations in Los Angeles that sparked protests were actually targeting criminal enterprises involved in money laundering and customs fraud
Personal Sacrifice for National Security
Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar, has revealed the heavy personal toll of his commitment to securing America’s borders. In a candid interview on the podcast “Pod Force One” with Miranda Devine, Homan disclosed that ongoing death threats have forced him to live separately from his wife for safety reasons. The separation is just the latest sacrifice in a career that has increasingly pulled him away from family life. As he advanced through the ranks at ICE and now serves in the Trump administration, time with loved ones has become increasingly scarce.
“My wife’s living separately from me right now, mainly because I worked for many hours, but mostly because of the death threats against me. She’s someplace else. I see her as much as I can, but the death threats against me and my family are outrageous,” said Tom Homan, White House executive associate director of enforcement and removal operations.
Trump’s Personal Call to Service
Homan’s return to government service came directly at the request of President Trump. After a successful stint in the private sector following his role as acting ICE director during Trump’s first term, Homan received a phone call that would change his life trajectory once again. The call came while he was having dinner with his wife, who immediately recognized what was happening. This moment marked both a proud professional achievement and the beginning of significant personal adjustments for the Homan family.
“I was the first person he called, bringing back, which, again, was a proud moment, but I was actually out to dinner with my wife, and then my phone rang, and I looked down, and it says, ‘POTUS.’ And my wife says, ‘He’s asking him to come back, isn’t he?'” said Tom Homan, Border Czar.
Despite the financial implications and personal sacrifices involved, Homan’s wife fully supported his decision to return to public service. She recognized his passion for the work and understood that preventing him from answering the call would have consequences for their relationship as well. Her pragmatic approach demonstrates the often-unseen family dynamics behind major public service roles in contentious policy areas.
Measurable Success Amid Controversy
Since taking on the role of border czar, Homan’s impact has been substantial and measurable. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, southern border crossings have decreased dramatically, reaching record lows under his leadership. These statistics validate the effectiveness of the enforcement strategies implemented by the Trump administration, which prioritize deterrence and consequence over the catch-and-release policies of previous administrations.
“I spent a lot of time with my boys growing up, but as I got more and more — climbed the ladder of what I’ve done with ICE director and now back — I don’t see my family very much,” said Tom Homan, Border Czar.
Homan has faced significant protests, including demonstrations with thousands of people at his home in Upstate New York. He has been particularly vocal in defending ICE operations in Los Angeles, emphasizing that these actions were part of legitimate criminal investigations targeting money laundering and customs fraud, not arbitrary immigration enforcement. Homan has also criticized Democrats for using immigration as a political tool rather than focusing on national security and public safety.
A Family’s Patriotic Sacrifice
The personal cost of Homan’s public service extends beyond physical separation from his wife. His return to government work came with a substantial financial sacrifice, leaving behind lucrative private sector opportunities. Home renovations were halted, and family plans were put on hold. Despite these challenges, his wife recognized the importance of his role in securing America’s borders and encouraged him to accept the position rather than live with regret.
“She said, ‘You need to go back or we’ll get divorced … because if you don’t go back, you’ll be waking up every day, pissed off that you didn’t go back, and I’ve gotta live with four more years of you being pissed off, so go back and do the job,'” said Tom Homan, Border Czar.
Homan’s story highlights the unseen personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines of America’s most controversial policy battles. While political debates rage on about immigration enforcement, the individuals tasked with implementing these policies often face threats, disruption, and family separation. For Homan and others like him, the mission of securing America’s borders carries a price that extends far beyond their professional lives, affecting their most intimate personal relationships and family security.