Just weeks after White House border czar Tom Homan arrived in Minnesota to oversee immigration enforcement operations and a day after the Department of Homeland Security shut down due to a lapse in funding, he addressed growing scrutiny over federal officers wearing masks during enforcement. Speaking Sunday, Feb. 15, on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Homan said he dislikes the practice but believes it remains necessary for officer safety.
“As far as the mask, look, you know, I don’t like the masks either,” Homan told host Ed O’Keefe. “But because threats against ICE officers are up over 1,500% — actual assaults, and threats are up 8,000% — these men and women have to protect themselves.”
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Homan was referring to figures from an October 2025 Department of Homeland Security press release that detailed an increase in threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The release cited incidents in which officers’ family members were doxed or threatened and even noted reports of bounties placed on officers.
The release did not specify the timeframe used to calculate the percentage increases.
The comments come amid criticism from lawmakers and civil rights groups. On Wednesday, Feb. 4, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune outlining a series of proposed reforms, including a prohibition on federal immigration officers wearing masks.
