Protesters outside Greg Bovino's hotel on his last day as a U.S. Border Patrol commander in Minnesota, gathered to bid him farewell in the most chaotic manner possible. Despite the departure of a controversial figure, the replacement is raising concerns about the continuation of policies and tactics that have been widely criticized.
The new head of Operation Metro Surge, Tom Homan, has a record of being a deportation hard-liner. Under former President Barack Obama, he oversaw a program that led to over 3 million deportations, with many being without criminal convictions. His work as the head of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) was marked by an aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, including the expansion of Secure Communities.
Homan's leadership style has been described as authoritarian, and his comments have been seen as threats to those who challenge the status quo. In a recent interview with Fox News, he warned that people who film or follow ICE operations would be arrested and put in a database. This approach has sparked widespread criticism and resistance from communities across the country.
The Intercept's coverage of Homan's arrival in Minnesota suggests that there is little evidence to suggest a shift in policy or tactics. Instead, it appears to be a matter of crisis management, with many viewing his appointment as an attempt to cover up the Trump administration's assault on democracy.
As the news landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the fight for press freedom and democratic values is far from over. The Intercept is committed to providing in-depth coverage of these issues, but we need your support to continue this critical work. Will you help us expand our reporting capacity in time to hit the ground running in 2026?
The new head of Operation Metro Surge, Tom Homan, has a record of being a deportation hard-liner. Under former President Barack Obama, he oversaw a program that led to over 3 million deportations, with many being without criminal convictions. His work as the head of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) was marked by an aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, including the expansion of Secure Communities.
Homan's leadership style has been described as authoritarian, and his comments have been seen as threats to those who challenge the status quo. In a recent interview with Fox News, he warned that people who film or follow ICE operations would be arrested and put in a database. This approach has sparked widespread criticism and resistance from communities across the country.
The Intercept's coverage of Homan's arrival in Minnesota suggests that there is little evidence to suggest a shift in policy or tactics. Instead, it appears to be a matter of crisis management, with many viewing his appointment as an attempt to cover up the Trump administration's assault on democracy.
As the news landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the fight for press freedom and democratic values is far from over. The Intercept is committed to providing in-depth coverage of these issues, but we need your support to continue this critical work. Will you help us expand our reporting capacity in time to hit the ground running in 2026?
Tom Homan has a super questionable record when it comes to deportations, like over 3 million people without even being convicted of crimes! And that authoritarian leadership style is just, like, so not what we need in our communities. 
I'm all for keeping our borders safe, but not at the expense of press freedom and democratic values... 
The fact that he's warning people who film ICE operations will be arrested is just, like, so concerning! 
We need to make sure we're holding those in power accountable for their actions. Can't we find a way to balance security with compassion and understanding? 
I'm really worried about Tom Homan taking over as head of Operation Metro Surge... his track record on immigration enforcement is super concerning to me. I have a kid who's a college student and they're always going to be at risk of getting caught up in these kinds of situations because of their own identity. 
The idea that people filming or following ICE ops could get arrested and put on a database just gives me the chills... it's like we're living in some kind of dystopian movie where our own government is against us. 
As a parent, I want to know that my child can trust the system to have their backs, not that they'll be torn apart by people who are supposed to protect them. 
We need to keep pushing for change and protecting our most vulnerable citizens. Can we do better? 
. It's like they're trying to keep things status quo instead of really making changes for good. We need someone who's gonna listen to all sides and make a difference, not just stoke up more fear and anger... 
... like, Tom Homan is literally getting appointed as the head of Operation Metro Surge without any concrete changes to policies or tactics 
. The Intercept is doing a great job of exposing this, but it's disheartening to think that some people might not be able to report on these issues without fear of getting in trouble 
... I mean, have you seen his track record on immigration enforcement? Like, 3 million deportations under Obama is a whole lotta people affected by policies that many people disagree with. And now he's warning people who film ICE ops to be arrested and put in a database? That sounds super scary to me 
, and it got me thinking, have you guys tried those amazing Korean BBQ spots in Seoul? I went there last year with my friends and we had an absolute blast! The food, the culture, the people... everything was just so vibrant and exciting! Anyway, back to this news... I'm really worried about the implications of Homan's appointment. It feels like we're taking two steps forward and one step back when it comes to human rights and press freedom 
. It sounds like Tom Homan's got the same vibe as Greg Bovino, just with a different badge 
. Can't we focus on supporting our local communities and organizations that are already working to create positive change? 
. That's a major red flag, if you ask me. It sounds like more of the same old, aggressive tactics that have been criticized by so many 
. We need some real change around here, not just a new face at the helm 
I hope The Intercept is able to keep exposing these issues and pushing for real change 
can we really trust them though? it feels like they're just trying to cover their own tracks 
. Can we really count on people like us to help them expand their reporting capacity? 
just another chapter in the never-ending saga of who's behind the wheel 
and what that means for the people 
. Secure Communities, anyone? 
waiting to snatch up some unsuspecting protesters. Not impressed by his 'crisis management' spin 
. Democracy is still a work in progress, y'all 
like, can't we just try to find a way to make things better instead of digging in further? 
we need more support for press freedom and holding those in power accountable for their actions