Tom Homan Defends ICE Agents Wearing Masks to Protect Themselves During Metro Surge Deportation Operations in Minnesota

In a candid interview this week, former border czar Tom Homan, who oversaw ICE operations under President Donald Trump, defended the decision for agents to wear masks during enforcement actions in Minnesota.

Speaking with CBS News, Homan acknowledged that while he personally dislikes the masks, the move is necessary to protect officers from a surge in threats.

Rising Threats Drive Safety Measures

Homan revealed startling figures: threats against ICE officers have reportedly risen over 1,500%, while actual assaults and incidents of intimidation have jumped more than 8,000%.

He argued that these dangers leave agents little choice but to conceal their identities.

“There is identifying marks, but masks… why don’t they talk about maybe passing legislation to make it illegal to dox agents?” Homan told CBS.

He pointed to the case of ICE director Todd Lyons, whose personal details and family were exposed online, as evidence of the risks agents face.

ICE Operations in Minnesota

The Metro Surge in Minnesota, a concentrated enforcement operation, has already resulted in the removal of over 1,000 individuals.

Homan said several hundred more are expected to be deported in the coming days.

“We’ll get back to the original footprint,” he said, referring to the long-term deployment plan.

He noted that a small security force — referred to as RFQs — would remain temporarily to ensure coordination with state and local law enforcement and respond to any public safety incidents.

Jails and Sanctuary City Agreements

Homan hailed agreements allowing ICE access to local jails as a significant success.

Such arrangements, he explained, streamline enforcement, reduce risk to agents, and focus efforts on individuals with criminal records.

“If you really want us to focus on the criminals, then let us in the jail.

That’s the safest, most secure place to do our work,” Homan said.

He expressed hope that other sanctuary cities would adopt similar agreements.

Racial Profiling and Mask Controversies

In response to critics, Homan denied any involvement in racial profiling, stating that all questioning and arrests are based on reasonable suspicion and conducted within federal law.

He emphasized that masks serve only for officer safety, not anonymity from the law or the public.

Democratic lawmakers have called for reforms including banning masks, requiring body cameras, and mandating warrants for arrests on private property.

Homan argued that these restrictions would not prevent the agency from carrying out its enforcement mission.

Partial Government Shutdown and ICE Operations

Homan also commented on the partial government shutdown impacting the Department of Homeland Security, noting that ICE operations would continue uninterrupted.

“The immigration mission, the reason why President Trump was elected to be president, continues,” he said.

He reiterated that the agency has achieved record numbers of criminal alien arrests and deportations, asserting that these results reflect the effectiveness of ICE enforcement during Trump’s tenure.

What’s Next?

• Continued deportations: ICE will proceed with the remaining removals from the Metro Surge operation in Minnesota.

• Policy debates: Congressional discussions on mask use, body cameras, and warrants may lead to legislative changes for ICE operations.

• Sanctuary city negotiations: Other cities may follow Minnesota’s example of jail access agreements, potentially reshaping enforcement strategy nationwide.

• Public safety monitoring: Temporary RFQs will continue to manage tensions and ensure agent and community safety until operations stabilize.

Summary

Tom Homan defended ICE agents wearing masks in Minnesota, citing a dramatic rise in threats and assaults against officers.

During the Metro Surge operation, over 1,000 individuals have been removed, with additional deportations expected.

Homan emphasized officer safety, dismissed claims of racial profiling, and highlighted successes in jail access agreements.

Despite a partial government shutdown, ICE operations continue, and the administration asserts that enforcement and deportation efforts remain on track while legislative debates over masking, body cameras, and warrants unfold.