VINCE Podcast Episode Summary: "Here's The Plan To END Trafficking In The US (w/ Tom Holman)" | Episode 54

Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host: Cumulus Podcast Network | VINCE
Guest: Tom Holman, Border Czar of the Trump Administration

Introduction

In Episode 54 of the VINCE podcast, host Vince Coglianese delves into the pressing issue of immigration enforcement and human trafficking in the United States. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Tom Holman, the Border Czar under President Trump's administration. Together, they explore the administration's strategies to enhance border security, increase deportations, and combat human trafficking, contrasting these efforts with the previous Biden administration's policies.

Overview of Border Enforcement and Deportations

Vince opens the episode by highlighting the administration's aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. He underscores the shift from the Biden administration's policies, which he criticizes for mass deportations, to the Trump administration's intensified efforts to secure the borders and deport undocumented immigrants more effectively.

Notable Quote:
"If you're not supposed to be here, leave, and let's get you out of here." — Vince [00:00]

Interview with Tom Holman

Border Security Achievements

Tom Holman shares data illustrating significant improvements in border security under the Trump administration. He boasts that the current border security status is the most secure in U.S. history, surpassing even his tenure under Trump 45. According to Holman, daily apprehensions have plummeted from almost 15,000 under Biden to a mere 211, with a dramatic reduction in escape rates.

Notable Quote:
"We have the most secure border in the history of this nation right now. So the numbers, the data proves it." — Tom Holman [25:18]

Drug Enforcement and Impact

Holman discusses the administration's success in reducing fentanyl overdoses, attributing this decline to effective border security measures. He notes that while drug cartels are adapting by targeting new markets, the current strategies are proving impactful in decreasing drug-related fatalities.

Notable Quote:
"The fentanyl overdoses have declined at a great rate. So it's obviously having an impact." — Tom Holman [27:13]

Child Trafficking Efforts

Addressing the critical issue of child trafficking, Holman emphasizes the administration's commitment to rescuing children from forced labor and sex trafficking. He criticizes the Biden administration for enabling large-scale trafficking operations and highlights ongoing efforts to conduct welfare checks and rescue operations.

Notable Quote:
"We're not going to rest till we find every one of them. If they're with a family safe, then we'll do immigration consequences. But our first priority right now is to save children who are living a life of hell every day." — Tom Holman [29:11]

Deportation Numbers and Goals

Holman acknowledges current deportation numbers are better than under Biden but stresses the need for significant increases. Aligning with Stephen Miller's goal, Holman aims to escalate deportations to 3,000 per day. He outlines strategies to target sanctuary cities and enhance interior enforcement to meet these ambitious targets.

Notable Quote:
"Right now, the numbers this morning, we're at 1500, and we need to double that. And I agree with Steve Miller 100%." — Tom Holman [31:49]

ICE Leadership Changes

The discussion shifts to recent turnovers within ICE leadership. Holman explains that leadership changes are standard procedural updates and not indicative of performance issues. He praises the current acting director, Todd Lyons, for his extensive experience and leadership within ICE.

Notable Quote:
"Whoever runs ICE needs to be a career law enforcement officer who knows the job." — Tom Holman [38:08]

Self Deportations

Holman elaborates on the concept of self-deportation, encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave the country voluntarily to avoid the severe consequences of enforced deportation. He highlights initiatives to inform immigrants about their options, emphasizing the benefits of leaving on their own terms.

Notable Quote:
"If we can't arrest the bad guy in the jail because of sanctuary rules, then we're going to arrest him in the neighborhood." — Tom Holman [40:09]

Obstruction by Protesters

Addressing challenges faced by ICE operations, Holman discusses the increasing obstruction by protesters and left-leaning activists. He condemns these actions as attempts to hinder law enforcement and protect undocumented immigrants unlawfully residing in the U.S.

Notable Quote:
"The attacks and the vilification of ICE are increasing the risks against these men and women." — Tom Holman [43:02]

Support for ICE

Holman defends ICE agents, stressing their crucial role in national security and public safety. He calls for public support and recognition of the dangers ICE officers face daily, criticizing media portrayals that undermine their efforts.

Notable Quote:
"The men and women carrying a badge and gun, they're the ones putting it all out there every day... God bless ICE and God bless President Trump." — Tom Holman [48:06]

Political Opposition and Media Critique

Vince criticizes left-leaning politicians and media outlets for obstructing immigration enforcement and spreading misinformation. He references incidents of protests disrupting ICE operations and derogatory media coverage that portrays ICE agents negatively. The host emphasizes the administration's transparency and dedication to securing the borders, condemning attempts to derail these efforts through political and social interference.

Notable Quote:
"We're deporting people. We're getting them out of the country. And we're not falling for your sob stories." — Vince [13:02]

Conclusion

The episode concludes on a strong note of support for ICE and the Trump administration's border policies. Vince reiterates his commitment to the administration's goals, thanking Tom Holman for his service and dedication. He encourages listeners to support ICE operations and remain informed about ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.

Notable Quote:
"God bless the men and women of the border to ICE. They're the ones getting it done. And God bless President Trump." — Tom Holman [48:52]

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Border Security: Significant reduction in daily border apprehensions and escape rates under the Trump administration.
• Drug Enforcement Success: Decline in fentanyl overdose deaths attributed to effective border measures.
• Combatting Child Trafficking: Active efforts to rescue children from trafficking and forced labor.
• Deportation Goals: Ambitious plans to increase deportations to 3,000 per day through targeted operations in sanctuary cities.
• ICE Leadership: Emphasis on career law enforcement professionals leading ICE to ensure effective operations.
• Self Deportation Advocacy: Encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily to avoid harsh penalties.
• Challenges from Protests: Rising obstruction from activists and protesters hindering ICE operations.
• Support for Law Enforcement: Strong endorsement of ICE agents and their critical role in maintaining national security.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "We have the most secure border in the history of this nation right now. So the numbers, the data proves it." — Tom Holman [25:18]
• "The fentanyl overdoses have declined at a great rate. So it's obviously having an impact." — Tom Holman [27:13]
• "We're not going to rest till we find every one of them." — Tom Holman [29:11]
• "Right now, the numbers this morning, we're at 1500, and we need to double that." — Tom Holman [31:49]
• "If we can't arrest the bad guy in the jail because of sanctuary rules, then we're going to arrest him in the neighborhood." — Tom Holman [40:09]
• "The attacks and the vilification of ICE are increasing the risks against these men and women." — Tom Holman [43:02]
• "God bless the men and women of the border to ICE. They're the ones getting it done. And God bless President Trump." — Tom Holman [48:52]

Final Thoughts

Episode 54 of the VINCE podcast offers a comprehensive look into the Trump administration's robust immigration enforcement strategies through the lens of Tom Holman's extensive experience. By presenting detailed statistics, actionable plans, and addressing both internal and external challenges, the podcast provides listeners with a clear understanding of the ongoing efforts to secure the U.S. borders and combat human trafficking. The episode reinforces the host's stance on prioritizing national security and public safety, while critiquing opposing political narratives.