Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show Episode: Hour 3 - Border Czar Tom Holman
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the third hour of "The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show," hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve deep into the pressing issue of U.S. border security by interviewing Tom Holman, the current Border Czar. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the administration's strategies to secure the borders, the challenges faced, and the broader implications of immigration policies under different administrations.

Interview with Tom Holman on Border Security

Assessing the First 100 Days

Clay Travis begins by discussing his recent meeting with Tom Holman at the White House, focusing on Holman's assessment of the initial 100 days in his role.

• Tom Holman [03:38]:
  "We're kicking ass. I mean, look at the numbers. In seven weeks, we got border crossings down over 90% and right now as of today, we're down 96%. So based on the data, real data, we have the most secure border in the history of this nation today, which is a huge success."

Holman highlights three key metrics demonstrating the administration's success:

1. Reduction in Border Crossings: A 96% decrease in illegal border crossings.
2. Decrease in "Gotaways": Down from 1,800 per day under Biden to less than 40 per day.
3. Apprehensions: A significant drop from over 11,000 daily apprehensions under Biden to just 178 on a recent day.

Comparison to the Biden Administration

Holman contrasts the current administration's policies with those of the previous one, emphasizing efficiency and stricter enforcement.

• Tom Holman [05:20]:
  "President Trump did in seven weeks what Joe Biden couldn't do in four years. We already secured the border at record levels during Trump 45, and we knew what we needed to do to get it back."

He criticizes the Biden administration for releasing large numbers of illegal immigrants and overwhelming the immigration system, ultimately hindering effective deportations.

Impact of Policy Changes

Holman explains how policy shifts have influenced the current immigration landscape, including self-deportation trends and the use of apps for reporting.

• Tom Holman [06:44]:
  "How significant do you think CBP1 app. I think we're over 5,000 already. A lot of people are just self-reporting without going through the CBP1 app."

He notes that with the border security measures in place, many illegal immigrants are choosing to leave voluntarily, further reducing the number of unauthorized individuals residing in the U.S.

Challenges Faced

Judicial Obstacles and Long-Game Strategies

Holman addresses the systemic challenges posed by the judiciary and Democratic strategies aimed at prolonging the deportation process.

• Tom Holman [09:24]:
  "They’re playing the long game. They knew if they overwhelmed the system, these people couldn’t be returned right away. Maybe by the time five years roll around, seven years roll around, they have a Democratic administration. All of a sudden, boom, amnesty across the board."

He criticizes district court judges for issuing nationwide injunctions that impede ICE operations, arguing that such legal barriers prevent the swift deportation of illegal immigrants.

• Tom Holman [09:43]:
  "District court judges shouldn’t have to put a nationwide injunction outside of their district. They’re working with sanctuary city judges, radical judges, and NGOs."

Specific Incidents: Milwaukee Judge Case

Clay Travis highlights a recent incident involving a Milwaukee judge accused of obstructing ICE efforts, as described by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

• Clay Travis [27:22]:
  "An ICE agent is prepared to take this individual into custody. The judge is furious, runs interference, and sneaks the defendant out to avoid federal custody."

This case underscores the real-world implications of judicial resistance to federal immigration enforcement.

Listener Reactions

Support for Tom Holman

Listeners express strong support for Holman and his efforts to secure the border amid significant personal and professional challenges.

• Trent from Denver [46:08]:
  "The guy is truly a legend. He’s a true American hero. It’s legendary what he’s doing. I wish it didn’t have to come to this, but he’s definitely the right guy for the job."

Trent emphasizes Holman's dedication and the importance of his role in maintaining national security.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Clay Travis on Democratic Strategies and Future Implications

Clay Travis synthesizes the discussion, emphasizing the administration's efforts to secure the border against Democratic tactics aimed at undermining immigration enforcement.

• Clay Travis [46:49]:
  "Democrats are exploiting the incompatibility between the law that allows them to come in and the law that allows them to be sent out. They’re playing the long game because their gamble is there will not be the political power to get these people out once they get in."

He warns of the potential for ongoing border security issues if Democratic administrations continue their current approach, highlighting the necessity for strong and consistent enforcement to prevent future overwhelm.

• Clay Travis [46:49]:
  "When they flood in millions of more people, they want it to become such a mess that amnesty is given. Democrats are gambling that those granted amnesty will vote for them, securing their political power for generations."

Acknowledging Personal Sacrifices

Clay concludes by acknowledging the personal toll on individuals like Tom Holman, who work tirelessly under immense pressure.

• Clay Travis [23:24]:
  "You just heard me ask Tom Holman how many hours a week you’re working? He’s basically working all the time. He’s got a huge security detail because nobody is getting more personal threats against him and his family."

He commends Holman's dedication and humanity, particularly his efforts to support families affected by immigration policies.

Notable Quotes

• Tom Holman [03:38]:
  "We have the most secure border in the history of this nation today, which is a huge success."

• Tom Holman [09:24]:
  "They’re playing the long game... They knew if they overwhelmed the system, these people couldn’t be returned right away."

• Trent from Denver [46:08]:
  "The guy is truly a legend. He’s a true American hero."

• Clay Travis [46:49]:
  "Democrats are exploiting the incompatibility between the law that allows them to come in and the law that allows them to be sent out."

Key Takeaways

1. Significant Reduction in Illegal Border Crossings: The administration reports a 96% decrease in border crossings, attributing this success to stringent border security measures.

2. Challenges with Judicial Interference: Federal immigration enforcement faces significant obstacles from district court judges issuing nationwide injunctions, hindering ICE operations.

3. Long-Term Democratic Strategy: The Biden administration is accused of employing a long-game strategy to overwhelm the immigration system, aiming for eventual amnesty to secure political support.

4. Personal Sacrifices by Law Enforcement: Individuals like Tom Holman are working tirelessly, often at great personal cost, to uphold border security amidst escalating threats and challenges.

This episode offers a critical perspective on current U.S. immigration policies, highlighting the administration's efforts to secure the borders while navigating complex legal and political challenges. Through Tom Holman's insights, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the strategies employed to reduce illegal immigration and the obstacles faced in enforcing these policies.