TL;DR
Tom Homan firmly denies that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents engage in racial profiling during detentions and questioning.
Key Points
Tom Homan stated that ICE will briefly detain and question individuals based on reasonable suspicion, asserting there is no racial profiling occurring.
He noted that the Supreme Court has upheld the federal government's legal right to stop individuals to question them briefly on their legal status.
The border czar contended that the ability of federal officers to interrogate any alien is a 'well settled' practice authorized by the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Summary
Tom Homan, in his capacity as White House border czar, has taken a strong stance against the assertion that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents practice racial profiling. He explicitly stated that such activity is not occurring, claiming that any brief detention or questioning of individuals is based solely on reasonable suspicion, not their race. This position was articulated while pushing back against demands from some lawmakers to mandate a ban on racial profiling by federal immigration agents.
His position is framed within the context of defending federal law enforcement practices, arguing that the ability of officers to question anyone they believe to be an alien regarding their legal status is a long-settled practice authorized by the Immigration and Nationality Act. He contests accusations of profiling by asserting that the law explicitly permits such inquiries, and that if Congress desires a change to this framework, new legislation must be passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tom Homan takes a firm position that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents do not engage in racial profiling. He asserts that any questioning is based strictly on reasonable suspicion of immigration violations, not on an individual's appearance or ethnicity.
No, Tom Homan has forcefully denied the claim that racial profiling is taking place within ICE operations. He characterizes such assertions as smears and lies leveled against the agency.
Tom Homan responded to demands to stop racial profiling by stating it is not occurring, implying the existing legal framework is adequate. He suggested that if Congress desires a change, they must legislate it, as current practices adhere to federal statutes.
Sources4
White House Confirms It: Racial Profiling Is Policy - Voto Latino
Border czar Tom Homan says "I don't like the masks" on ICE officers, but they "have to protect themselves" - CBS News
Tom Homan Annihilates MSDNC's Smears, Lies on Border Security 🔥 – The White House
Statement on Tom Homan's Plan to 'Draw Down' Immigration Agents in Minnesota
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.