Verdict with Ted Cruz: Border Czar Tom Homan - Exclusive One on One

Release Date: May 21, 2025
Host: Senator Ted Cruz & Co-host Ben Ferguson
Guest: Tom Homan, White House Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations (Border Czar)

1. Introduction and Guest Overview (03:17 - 04:06)

Senator Ted Cruz welcomes Tom Homan, the Border Czar appointed by President Donald Trump, to discuss the significant advancements in border security since Trump's return to office. Cruz highlights Homan's role in securing the border, ensuring national safety, and removing dangerous illegal aliens, commending his exceptional performance.

Quote:

Senator Ted Cruz [03:17]: "He's doing a hell of a job. Tom, welcome to Verdict."

2. Achievements Under the Trump Administration (04:06 - 07:28)

Tom Homan provides a comprehensive overview of the drastic improvements in border security:

• Reduction in Illegal Crossings: Daily illegal crossings decreased from over 10,000 under Biden to just 211.

  Quote:

  Tom Homan [04:23]: "Yesterday it was 211. We went from 13, 14,000 to 211."

• Decrease in "Gotaways": Average daily gotaways dropped from over 1,800 to 39.

  Quote:

  Tom Homan [04:57]: "The gotaways yesterday? 39."

• Detention and Deportation Success: In the first 100 days, only one discretionary release occurred compared to over 184,000 releases under Biden. Additionally, ISIS-related arrests tripled.

  Quote:

  Tom Homan [06:12]: "President Trump's been a game changer... we need to step up efforts there."

3. Strategies and Policies Implemented (06:49 - 11:33)

Homan outlines the key policy changes that have driven these successes:

• Executive Orders: Implemented significant executive actions to reinforce border security.

• Remain in Mexico Policy: Mandated asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed.

• Third Safe Country Agreements: Enhanced international cooperation to manage migration.

• Ending Catch and Release: Strictly enforcing detention and deportation without releasing illegal entrants.

  Quote:

  Tom Homan [07:28]: "Those three things by themselves have been a major game changer."

Homan emphasizes the necessity of the pending budget to further these initiatives, including building additional infrastructure, incorporating advanced technology into border walls, and expanding detention capacities.

Quote:

Tom Homan [09:04]: "We need the money... we're doing more than Biden did. But Biden wasn't doing anything."

4. Impact on Public Safety and National Security (13:48 - 19:54)

Senator Cruz and Homan delve into the public safety benefits resulting from enhanced border security:

• Reduction in Violent Crime: Nearly 700,000 illegal aliens with criminal convictions are now being deported, lowering the risk of crimes such as murder, rape, and trafficking.

  Quote:

  Senator Ted Cruz [15:35]: "Joe Biden deliberately chose... to leave murderers here, we're not gonna send ICE to arrest them."

• Decreased Drug Trafficking: Significant reduction in fentanyl entering the country, contributing to lower overdose deaths.

  Quote:

  Senator Ted Cruz [26:50]: "Over 400 people on terrorist watches coming to the southwest border... I think they're here."

Homan shares success stories, including the rescue of thousands of children from trafficking and forced labor, underscoring the humanitarian impact of their efforts.

Quote:

Tom Homan [19:16]: "We've already found over 7,500 of them... many of them are in sex trafficking, many of them are in forced labor."

5. Addressing Sanctuary Cities and Accountability (23:38 - 32:26)

The conversation shifts to sanctuary cities, with Homan criticizing Democratic policies that hinder effective border enforcement:

• Danger of Sanctuary Cities: These cities refuse to cooperate with ICE, harboring dangerous individuals and increasing community risks.

  Quote:

  Tom Homan [23:38]: "Sanctuary cities will be held accountable... it's very dangerous."

• Legal Actions: Ongoing lawsuits and collaborations with the Department of Justice aim to enforce compliance and ensure public safety.

• Policy Rigidity: Homan stresses the importance of adhering to federal statutes that mandate detention and deportation of undocumented entrants.

Quote:

Tom Homan [24:09]: "We need to protect not only the criminals, we gotta protect the employees and the citizens on the outside."

6. Terrorism Risks and National Security Concerns (26:38 - 35:01)

Senator Cruz raises concerns about the potential for terrorists entering the United States through the southern border:

• Threat Assessment: Homan acknowledges the presence of individuals with terrorist affiliations and emphasizes ongoing monitoring and intelligence efforts.

  Quote:

  Tom Homan [26:50]: "Under Joe Biden, we arrest over 400 people on terrorist watches... they are here."

• Proactive Measures: Discussion on enhancing detection technologies and increasing border patrol activities to mitigate these threats.

  Quote:

  Senator Ted Cruz [35:01]: "Look, I will say Tom is not exaggerating at all... you're fighting hard for them and President Trump are making a massive difference."

7. Combating Drug Cartels and International Cooperation (35:53 - 40:37)

The focus shifts to drug cartels and their financial growth under previous administrations:

• Cartel Revenue Decline: Secure borders have directly impacted the financial power of drug cartels by reducing human trafficking and drug smuggling revenues.

  Quote:

  Tom Homan [37:34]: "Smuggling's down. Both drugs and people trafficking is down."

• Call for U.S. Military Intervention: Homan advocates for U.S. support in dismantling Mexican cartels, drawing parallels to successful interventions in Colombia.

  Quote:

  Tom Homan [39:06]: "I wish Mexico would agree with President Trump to let us help them take out the cartels and wipe them off the face of the earth."

8. Legal Accountability and Upholding the Law (40:37 - 43:36)

The discussion shifts to legal accountability for officials undermining border security:

• Congresswoman LaMonica McIver's Charges: Homan underscores the importance of holding law enforcement accountable, illustrating the consequences of assaulting ICE agents.

  Quote:

  Tom Homan [42:26]: "What she did was just horrendous... You can't put hands on our officers."

• Support from Senator Cruz: Emphasizes the need to protect law enforcement and uphold the rule of law, praising Homan's dedication.

  Quote:

  Senator Ted Cruz [43:36]: "You are a patriot. You are keeping my children safer... making a massive difference for the entire country."

9. Conclusion and Final Remarks (44:22 - 45:10)

Homan expresses gratitude towards law enforcement personnel, highlighting their sacrifices and dedication to national security.

Quote:

Tom Homan [44:30]: "God bless the men and women of Border patrol. God bless them women of ICE and God bless this great nation. We're taking it."

Senator Cruz wraps up by commending Homan's efforts and reiterating the positive impact of their border policies on American safety and security.

Quote:

Senator Ted Cruz [44:22]: "You're keeping my children safer... making a massive difference for the entire country."

Key Takeaways

• Dramatic Improvement in Border Security: Under Tom Homan's leadership, illegal crossings and gotaways have plummeted by over 90%.

• Effective Policy Implementation: Executive orders and strict enforcement policies have been pivotal in reversing the lax border policies of the previous administration.

• Enhanced Public Safety: Significant reductions in violent crimes, drug trafficking, and human trafficking have been achieved through robust border security measures.

• Future Initiatives: Continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and personnel is essential for sustaining and advancing border security.

• Accountability and Rule of Law: Emphasis on holding individuals accountable for undermining border security reinforces the commitment to lawful and secure borders.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [04:06] Tom Homan: "Under Biden administration, we were dealing with 10,000, 11,000 even a few times 15,000 aliens a day. Yesterday it was 211."

• [07:28] Tom Homan: "Those three things by themselves have been a major game changer."

• [15:35] Senator Ted Cruz: "Joe Biden deliberately chose... to leave murderers here, we're not gonna send ICE to arrest them."

• [26:50] Tom Homan: "Under Joe Biden, we arrest over 400 people on terrorist watches coming to the southwest border..."

• [35:01] Senator Ted Cruz: "You're fighting hard for them and President Trump are making a massive difference."

• [43:36] Senator Ted Cruz: "You are a patriot. You are keeping my children safer... making a massive difference for the entire country."

This detailed summary encapsulates the pivotal discussions between Senator Ted Cruz and Tom Homan, highlighting the transformative efforts in border security under the Trump administration and the profound implications for national safety and public health.