The National ICE Officers Association, a newly formed law enforcement group representing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees, has expressed strong support for President-elect Donald Trump’s choices to lead his immigration team. The association praised the appointment of former Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan as border czar and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, signaling enthusiasm for Trump’s ambitious immigration enforcement agenda.
In a statement obtained by Fox News, the association emphasized the qualifications of both appointees. It described Homan as “one of us,” commending his experience in making communities safer, and highlighted Noem’s reputation as one of America’s “toughest governors.” The group expressed confidence in her ability to bring meaningful reforms to the Department of Homeland Security. “The men and women of ICE ERO [Enforcement and Removal Operations] are fired up and ready to go get to work,” the statement declared.
The Trump administration is preparing for a significant expansion of immigration enforcement in 2025, with an emphasis on ramping up deportations of illegal immigrants. Key aspects of this strategy include expanding detention facilities and increasing bed space, particularly near major metropolitan areas where enforcement operations are expected to intensify. The National ICE Officers Association’s support aligns with this plan and underscores the administration’s intention to streamline immigration operations while bolstering border security.
Homan, a veteran advocate for stricter immigration measures, has frequently pushed for tougher policies to secure the southern border and remove those who enter the U.S. illegally. In recent interviews, he has raised concerns about national security, claiming that “terrorists have crossed our southern border.” Noem, widely recognized for her tough-on-crime policies as governor, is anticipated to bring her firm stance on public safety to DHS. During her tenure in South Dakota, she prioritized law enforcement initiatives and opposed policies perceived as threats to national security.
Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda has drawn mixed reactions from state leaders. Republican governors, such as those in Texas, have expressed strong support, with Texas offering 1,400 acres of land to facilitate detention operations near the border. In contrast, Democratic governors in states like Illinois, Arizona, and Massachusetts have pledged not to cooperate with federal deportation plans, citing concerns about the impact on immigrant communities and local economies. This division underscores the political challenges ahead as the administration moves to implement its strategy.
The emergence of the National ICE Officers Association as a representative voice for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations branch may significantly influence the agency’s workforce. If recognized as the exclusive union, the group could negotiate on behalf of thousands of ICE officers, further aligning their priorities with the administration’s enforcement goals. Union leaders have underscored the importance of leadership that understands the complexities of immigration enforcement. The appointments of Homan and Noem have resonated with ICE personnel, as reflected in the association’s enthusiastic endorsement.
As Trump’s immigration team prepares to take office, the National ICE Officers Association’s backing highlights the readiness of ICE employees to support the administration’s enforcement agenda. The coming year is expected to bring expanded detention facilities, mass deportations, and heightened political tensions over border security. The appointments of Homan and Noem are poised to play critical roles in shaping U.S. immigration policy, with ICE agents at the forefront of these efforts.
