Border Czar Tom Homan took a firm stand against the Catholic Church’s recent opposition to mass deportations, arguing that such criticism undermines law enforcement and jeopardizes lives. “The Catholic Church is wrong,” Homan stated emphatically. He called for church leaders to focus on internal issues before publicly denouncing U.S. immigration policy. “I’m a lifelong Catholic,” he said, pointing out that his remarks stem from both his faith and his position in government.
His comments came in response to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which condemned the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. The bishops expressed concern over what they called “a climate of fear and anxiety” surrounding immigration enforcement, reflecting the church’s long-standing advocacy for migrant rights. Homan, however, sharply countered this stance, aligning the demographics of faith leaders against the backdrop of law and order.
Homan highlighted the hypocrisy he perceives within the Church’s stance, particularly regarding the Vatican’s strict policies on trespassing. “So according to them,” he asked rhetorically, “the message we should send to the whole world is that if you cross the border illegally, which is a crime, don’t worry about it?” His argument hinged on the notion that the Church’s position contradicts basic legal principles that govern the nation.
He went on to critique the Church’s leaders for what he views as a disconnect with reality. By advising against mass deportations, Homan asserted that the message conveyed could encourage illegal migration: “If you get ordered removed by a federal judge after due process, don’t worry about us, because there should not be mass deportations.” This line of reasoning underscores a foundational belief that strong borders are essential for national security and humanitarian reasons alike.
A significant part of Homan’s argument touches on the dangers undocumented migrants face when crossing the border. He emphasized that many fall prey to violent cartels and undertake perilous journeys, leading to tragic losses. “More than 4,000 migrants died during those journeys,” he highlighted, adding that thousands of American lives were also lost due to fentanyl smuggled across an unsecured border.
“Secure borders save lives,” Homan declared firmly, urging the Catholic Church to realign its views with what he sees as the reality of immigration today. He believes the Church, like the U.S., has a right to protect its grounds, which are subject to their own strict entry requirements. “You can’t enter their facility without getting arrested,” he noted, pointing out the harsher penalties imposed for trespassing onto church property compared to immigration violations.
In closing, Homan emphasized the successes of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, asserting that they have led to “the most secure border in the history of this nation.” He believes that strict enforcement measures under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are vital to both national security and migrant safety, reinforcing the argument that effective law enforcement is not only a legal mandate but a moral imperative. Homan’s remarks reveal his conviction that protecting the border is essential, and he urges others, including faith leaders, to grasp the realities at play in the America of today.
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