Tom Homan tells CBS anyone illegally in the U.S. is deportable

Tom Homan, the United States border czar, told CBS News on Oct. 2, 2026 that anyone in the country illegally is subject to deportation, responding to Rep. Maria Salazar’s statistic that 50 percent of ICE detainees have no additional criminal charge.

The interview highlighted that, under federal law, illegal presence alone is sufficient grounds for removal, a point Homan emphasized by asking, “Are they in the country illegally?” and receiving a confirmation before stating, “Then they are deportable.”

Salazar’s comment, cited during the interview, noted that half of those held by ICE are detained for immigration violations without a separate criminal conviction. Homan’s rebuttal framed the issue as a matter of legal status rather than criminal history.

The exchange was posted on social media by the Geiger Capital account, which shared a screenshot of the interview and noted how quickly the discussion shifted from charges to legal status. The tweet underscored the partisan disagreement over how immigration law should be applied ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Homan, who served as a senior ICE official during the Obama administration and received a 2015 Presidential Rank Award for his work, reiterated his stance on enforcement. He said he wishes critics would “sit down and talk to ICE” to understand the agency’s operations.

While Democratic leaders and some media commentators argue that the lack of additional criminal charges should temper deportation efforts, Homan’s remarks reinforce the administration’s position that unlawful entry alone triggers removal procedures. The interview adds a clear legal perspective to a debate that many lawmakers are expected to revisit as Congress prepares for the upcoming elections.

As the midterm campaign season intensifies, Homan’s comments are likely to be cited in discussions about ICE funding, enforcement priorities, and potential legislative reforms concerning immigration policy.