Following strained relations with outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Border Czar Tom Homan is actively building a stronger working relationship with Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to become the new homeland security secretary last week.
Homan has arranged introductions for Mullin with key figures in the administration and immigration policy circles.
During Noem’s tenure as homeland security secretary, Homan described being excluded from significant decision-making and clashed with enforcement methods used in major urban areas. He was dispatched to Minneapolis following a series of incidents involving federal agents that resulted in fatalities.
An official stated that Homan’s goal is to have greater influence on the implementation of domestic law enforcement procedures moving forward.
The White House confirmed that Homan will remain engaged in implementing initiatives critical to the president’s immigration strategy.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson characterized Tom Homan as “an American patriot, career law enforcement officer, and lifelong public servant” who has been instrumental in advancing the president’s America First agenda.
Jackson added that Homan has collaborated effectively with relevant agencies to support the president’s objectives and expects to maintain this partnership under the new Department of Homeland Security leadership.
Jackson concluded that Senator Mullin would excel in fostering partnerships to leverage the president’s significant achievements within the Department of Homeland Security.
Administration officials anticipate that under Senator Mullin, Homan and the new leadership will collaborate effectively, granting him greater authority in immigration enforcement matters.
Mark Morgan, former head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during President Trump’s initial term, noted, “Tom is finally going to carry out the border czar role that was originally intended—something Kristi literally cut him off from.”
Morgan further explained that “the new secretary will actively employ Tom in the border czar position as designed, seeking his strategic advice, expertise, and professional insights.”
By Sam Barron | Thursday, 12 March 2026 06:25 PM EDT
