SAN ANTONIO – A U.S. Representative for Texas just sat down and spoke with one of the most influential people in U.S. immigration and border security.
In a telephone town hall held yesterday evening, Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas’ 23rd Congressional District received high praise from Tom Homan, President Trump’s Border Czar, according to a release issued by the office of Rep. Gonzales (R, TX-23).
Homan lauded Gonzales for his significant contributions to the Trump administration’s border security and immigration enforcement efforts, describing it as the largest package in history.
“You’ve been down on the border consistently for years, supporting the men and women of the Border Patrol. You’ve shaken more hands of men and women wearing green and blue than I have — and I’ve been down there a lot. The men and women of the Border Patrol appreciate your support; I know because I talk to them every day. Thank you for fighting the fight,” Homan said during the event.
During the call, Congressman Tony Gonzales and Border Czar Tom Homan discussed significant strides in border security and immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, contrasting it with what they described as chaotic conditions during the Biden years.
Gonzales, representing a Texas district along the U.S.–Mexico border, praised Homan’s efforts and declared the border secure. He emphasized a new focus on removing criminal aliens within the country, citing recent attacks on ICE agents and legislative measures like increased border funding and the COPS Act to bolster protections for law enforcement.
Homan provided a comprehensive update on national border and immigration enforcement, noting a dramatic decrease in border encounters—from 10,000–12,000 per day to just over 100 daily—with no releases into the U.S.
He attributed this success to reinstated Trump-era policies, including the end of catch-and-release, the restoration of Remain in Mexico, third-country asylum agreements, expanded border wall construction, and new technology investments.
Homan outlined three priorities set by President Trump: securing the border, conducting a large-scale deportation operation, and locating children smuggled into the U.S. under the previous administration.
He reported that approximately 130,000 of an estimated 300,000 missing migrant children have been located, with some rescued from trafficking and forced labor. Efforts continue to find the remaining children.
On deportations, Homan stated that about 670,000 people have been deported since Trump returned to office, calling it the largest operation in U.S. history.
He noted that around 70% of those deported have criminal histories or pending charges, with others identified as national security threats or immigration fugitives.
Homan criticized sanctuary policies for forcing ICE to conduct riskier neighborhood arrests instead of controlled jail transfers and urged states and cities, including Minnesota, to cooperate with federal authorities.
The discussion concluded with Gonzales highlighting a $4 million initiative to establish an intelligence center within the Bexar County Jail to enhance information-sharing between local and federal law enforcement.
Homan praised the project and expressed interest in expanding it nationally. Both officials closed the call by expressing mutual appreciation and strong support for law enforcement and border agents.