As President Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, his early decisions on border and homeland security have drawn praise from key law enforcement groups. Among the most vocal supporters is the Executive Board of the National ICE Officers Association, which expressed excitement over the appointments of former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Thomas Homan as Border Czar and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.
In a statement released shortly after the announcements, the ICE board made their enthusiasm clear: “The men and women of ICE ERO are fired up and ready to go get to work.”
Trump’s new picks for key security roles signal a return to the stringent immigration policies that defined his first administration. Former acting ICE Director Thomas Homan is seen as a natural fit for the role of Border Czar. Widely respected within law enforcement circles, Homan built a reputation for no-nonsense enforcement and vocal advocacy for securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
“Former Director Homan is one of us and knows exactly what it takes to do the job and make our communities safe,” read the ICE Officers Association’s statement.
Similarly, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been met with widespread approval. Known for her strong stance on law enforcement and public safety, Noem is regarded as a governor who prioritized protecting her constituents.
“As one of America’s toughest governors and someone who has kept her citizens safe, we have complete and total confidence that Gov. Noem will bring about the changes we desperately need to do our jobs and protect the American people,” the association added.
The National ICE Officers Association’s support highlights a renewed optimism among law enforcement officials who felt sidelined during the Biden administration. Many in the immigration enforcement community have long criticized the previous administration’s policies, arguing that lax border control and insufficient support for ICE agents led to dangerous conditions both at the border and in communities across the country.
Under Biden, policies such as the rollback of Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” protocols and limitations on deportations were lambasted by border officials and conservative lawmakers. The Executive Board’s statement reflects a belief that Trump’s leadership and his team will prioritize restoring what they describe as “law and order” at the southern border.
Thomas Homan is no stranger to the challenges of immigration enforcement. During his tenure as acting ICE director under Trump’s first administration, Homan became a prominent face of the administration’s hardline policies. His critics described him as uncompromising, but his supporters applauded his dedication to enforcing immigration laws.
As Border Czar, Homan’s responsibilities will include overseeing border operations, coordinating between agencies, and ensuring that the border wall project—one of Trump’s signature initiatives—is completed.
Homan has already outlined his intention to reverse the policies of the Biden administration, which he argues encouraged illegal immigration. He has called for stronger enforcement, expedited deportations, and increased resources for Border Patrol and ICE agents.
Governor Kristi Noem brings a different but complementary perspective to the Department of Homeland Security. Known for her support of law enforcement and her handling of crises in South Dakota, Noem’s leadership style has been described as pragmatic and tough.
At DHS, Noem will oversee a range of agencies, including ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Her supporters argue that her experience as governor equips her to handle the complexities of homeland security while maintaining a focus on border enforcement.
Her critics, however, question her lack of direct experience in immigration enforcement, though ICE officials appear confident in her abilities.
The return of Trump’s administration brings expectations of aggressive policy changes at the border. Some of the anticipated moves include:
- Reinstating Remain in Mexico: This policy requires asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their claims are processed in the U.S.
- Expanding the Border Wall: Trump’s team has vowed to finish sections of the wall left incomplete under Biden.
- Increased Deportations: ICE agents are expected to receive expanded authority to detain and deport individuals residing in the country illegally.
- Tighter Asylum Rules: The administration plans to limit the number of asylum seekers eligible for protection in the U.S.
The enthusiastic response from ICE underscores how immigration policy remains a cornerstone of Trump’s platform. For his supporters, the appointment of Homan and Noem signals a commitment to fulfilling promises made during the campaign.
“The dangerous invasion of America by illegals during the Biden-Harris regime will not go unanswered,” said a statement from a conservative advocacy group.
The coming months will likely see significant changes at the border, with Trump’s team expected to implement policies that dramatically contrast with those of the past four years.
For now, law enforcement officials like those in the National ICE Officers Association appear ready to stand behind the new administration. With Trump back in the White House, they’re “fired up” to get to work.
