Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s border czar, warned Monday that months of inflammatory political rhetoric attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers has directly prompted violent attacks against federal agents, speaking outside the White House after an incendiary device was thrown at a New York City federal building housing ICE offices.
The incident at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan resulted in two minor injuries, authorities said. The building also houses offices for the FBI. A 43-year-old Army veteran, Andrew Arrabaca, allegedly threw the device at the location, according to law enforcement.
What Happened
Homan told reporters that repeated comparisons between ICE agents and Nazis or fascists have encouraged violent responses from some individuals. “They keep attacking and miscommunicating what ICE does every day, calling them Nazis. Comparing ICE to the Nazi regime — are you kidding me?” he said.
The border czar also directed criticism at members of Congress who have used similar language. “For any member of Congress who keep attacking ICE and calling them fascists and Nazis, if they’re a Nazi from enforcing the law, what’s that make them?” Homan said. He emphasized that ICE officers are enforcing laws that Congress wrote and funded.
Homan predicted the violence will continue if the rhetoric does not stop. “I said this a year ago. If the hateful rhetoric doesn’t stop, there will be bloodshed. And, unfortunately, I was right,” he said. He later added, “I’m afraid that we’re going to bury an ICE agent. I’m afraid I’m going to hand another folded-up flag to a spouse or a child of an ICE agent for simply doing his job.”
The Reaction
The attack at Federal Plaza represents the latest confrontation involving ICE as the Trump administration continues its expanded immigration enforcement campaign. According to reports, at least nine people have died nationwide during encounters involving ICE agents since the administration’s enforcement operations intensified last year.
Federal law enforcement officials have not been criminally charged in those deaths. The federal government has argued that state prosecutors generally lack jurisdiction over federal officers acting within the scope of their duties, a legal position that has become contentious as enforcement operations continue.
Two fatal traffic stops involving ICE agents occurred last week in Texas and Maine. Following those incidents, the Department of Homeland Security briefly paused certain ICE traffic stop operations to review procedures. President Donald Trump reversed that decision days later, praising ICE officers and stating they were doing a “GREAT job.”
Homan also acknowledged that accountability matters within the agency. “If ICE agents acted inappropriately, or illegal, they’ll be held accountable,” he said, pointing to a recent case in Minnesota as an example of officers facing consequences for misconduct.
What This Means
Homan disclosed that heightened security concerns have affected his personal life. “I can’t even go get a quart of milk at the grocery store without a security detail. Why? Because I’m enforcing the laws of this country,” he said before departing without answering additional questions.
The warning comes as immigration enforcement remains a signature policy for the administration heading toward the 2026 midterm elections. Supporters contend that ICE agents deserve protection while executing laws enacted by Congress and carrying out inherently dangerous duties. The debate over ICE operations, police tactics, and the language used in political discourse surrounding immigration enforcement shows no signs of diminishing as the administration’s enforcement posture intensifies.
