Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s Border Czar, has addressed the rumors of a power struggle within the Department of Homeland Security by stating that Secretary Kristi Noem is unequivocally in charge. This declaration comes amid reports of a conflict over who truly oversees President Trump’s ambitious deportation agenda.

The Department of Homeland Security recently found itself at the center of a heated debate due to an operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This operation led to the arrest of over 4,000 individuals identified as criminal aliens and tragically resulted in the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal agents.

In the wake of these events, President Trump suggested that the deportation strategy might benefit from a “softer touch,” a comment many interpreted as a veiled critique of Noem’s approach. Following these incidents, Homan was dispatched to Minneapolis to de-escalate the situation and reestablish order.

Despite the public display of mutual respect between Noem and Homan, insiders have revealed to the Daily Mail that a behind-the-scenes struggle for control over immigration enforcement is ongoing. This internal tug-of-war is playing out as the Trump administration grapples with backlash from its immigration operations in Minnesota and elsewhere.

Homan’s recent remarks aim to clarify the chain of command within DHS, emphasizing Noem’s leadership role amidst the administration’s contentious immigration policies.

Now, as the Trump administration deals with fury over its immigration operations in Minnesota and beyond, Homan is emphasizing that Noem is the one in charge of DHS, not him.

Speaking on The Story with Martha McCallum on Friday, Homan told the Fox News host that Noem is in control of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 

The host asked: ‘Are you going to be the face of those operations from now on?’

Border Czar Tom Homan gave a surprisingly supportive answer of DHS Sec Kristi Noem when pressed by Fox News

Homan has internally sparred with DHS Sec Kristi Noem, insiders have told the Daily Mail

‘No, you know, Secretary Noem oversees ICE and CBP,’ Homan said, elevating Noem and clarifying that she is in charge of DHS. 

‘I’ll do what I’ve been doing…I’ll advise and give strategic guidance,’ Homan added. ‘You know, I’m the Border Czar, so I got a lot of work to do on the border.’ 

Widespread reports paint a culture of fear among the rank-and-file in Homeland Security as Noem and her chief advisor and rumored lover Cory Lewandowski openly began firing and demoting officials not viewed as loyal to her for the past year.

The department has splintered into two camps: those loyal to Noem and a bloc of career law enforcement officials aligned with Homan, multiple DHS insiders have revealed.

Noem, who has been the subject of much scrutiny during her first year on the job, has a sweeping portfolio that contains much more than just deportation operations. 

The DHS chief, in addition to running ICE and CBP, also oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 

‘I’ll do whatever I can because the President has made a promise to the American people there will be mass deportations, but he’s going to prioritize public safety threats first,’ Homan told the Fox News host.  

On the Sunday shows this week, Homan staunchly defended immigration agents wearing masks for ‘safety reasons’ – despite the fact that he himself does not like it – as he championed ICE efforts during Minnesota’s Metro Surge as ‘a win.’

ICE agents depart the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on February 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced that week that 700 immigration enforcement personnel would be withdrawn from Minnesota, following weeks of operations and the fatal shooting of two protesters

He admitted to CBS News’s Ed O’Keefe on: ‘As far as the mask look, you know I don’t like the masks either.’ 

‘But because threats against ICE officers are up over 1500 percent actual assaults and threats are up over 8000 percent. These men and woman have to protect themselves.’

Homan refuted claims that they are unidentifiable, telling the outlet that all agents wear placards.

‘There is identifying marks, but masks, you know, why don’t they talk about maybe passing legislation to make it illegal to dox agents or something like that?’ Homan asked. ‘But the masks right now are for officer safety reasons.’