A former border official delivered a scathing rebuke of the Catholic Church, accusing it of undermining law enforcement and contributing to preventable deaths at the border. Tom Homan, who previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), didn’t mince words when addressing the Church’s opposition to stricter immigration policies.
Homan, identifying himself as a lifelong Catholic, stated plainly that the Church was “wrong” in its criticism. He argued that the focus should be on internal reform within the Church itself, rather than questioning U.S. immigration enforcement.
The criticism stemmed from a recent statement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, condemning the administration’s immigration crackdown and expressing concern over a growing “climate of fear and anxiety” within immigrant communities. Pope Leo had also previously called for a “deep reflection” on the treatment of migrants.
Homan countered that the Church’s stance sends a dangerous message: that crossing the border illegally and ignoring deportation orders should be met with leniency. He questioned the logic of advocating for leniency while the Vatican itself maintains strict security and enforces penalties for trespassers.
He passionately defended the approach to border security, asserting that it ultimately “saves lives.” Homan pointed to the dangers faced by migrants who rely on cartels for passage, citing over 4,000 migrant deaths during border crossings and the influx of deadly fentanyl into the country.
Homan argued that a secure border isn’t just a matter of law enforcement, but a humanitarian imperative. He contrasted the current situation with what he described as a less effective approach, claiming the nation now has “the most secure border in the history of this nation” due to rigorous ICE enforcement.
The core of Homan’s argument rested on the principle of national sovereignty and the right to control borders, mirroring the security measures employed by institutions like the Vatican itself. He emphasized that just as the Vatican protects its grounds, the U.S. has a right to secure its own territory.
