White House Border Czar Warns of Escalating Violence Against ICE Agents Unless Politicians Cease ‘Hateful Rhetoric’

White House border czar Tom Homan warned on Sunday that “bloodshed” against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will continue unless politicians halt their “hateful rhetoric.”

In a televised interview, Homan stated: “I wish the hateful rhetoric from congressmen, mayors, and governors would stop, because I said back in March there’s going to be bloodshed. I don’t want more bloodshed. But unless they stop doing what they’re doing, there will be more, and I worry about that every day.”

Homan cited a sharp rise in threats against ICE agents — up more than 8,000% — and assaults on officers, which he described as surging roughly 1,300%. He noted these figures are unlike anything he has seen in his decades of law enforcement.

The Trump administration is adopting a zero-tolerance stance toward interference with immigration operations, Homan said. He pointed to increased federal prosecutions under Attorney General Pam Bondi and emphasized that the Justice Department is pursuing record numbers of cases involving obstruction or physical assaults on ICE officers.

“We’re sending a strong message,” Homan added. “Anyone who ‘puts a hand on an ICE officer’ should expect arrest and federal prosecution.”

The warning came as Homan praised President Donald Trump’s border agenda, calling it the most secure border in U.S. history. He highlighted steep declines in migrant encounters, noting that nationwide encounters fell to just over 30,000 in November — a 95% drop since Trump took office compared with levels under former President Joe Biden.

Homan also reported that more than 600,000 illegal aliens have been deported by ICE, and an additional 1.9 million have self-deported. However, he warned of a volatile environment due to opposition from political leaders and certain judges.

“I cross a line, you’ll be prosecuted,” Homan said. “Consequences should apply even if you’re a judge.” He cited a Milwaukee County judge recently found guilty of obstructing federal immigration agents as an example of officials in powerful positions attempting to block enforcement efforts.

Homan further noted that roughly 300,000 unaccompanied migrant children went missing during the Biden administration and that the Trump administration has located about 129,000 through coordinated efforts involving the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Homan urged political leaders to lower tensions as immigration enforcement intensifies. He argued that escalating threats against ICE officers could lead to more violence if rhetoric continues unchanged.

Speaking while traveling in Arizona for a potential appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference, Homan emphasized the administration’s focus on border security and countering misinformation about enforcement. “I don’t want more bloodshed,” he reiterated. “But unless they stop doing what they’re doing, there will be more.”