Homan Fires Back at CNN Over MS-13 Deportation Controversy

Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan appeared on CNN with Kaitlan Collins to challenge the narrative surrounding the deportation of an alleged MS-13 gang member. During the exchange, Homan forcefully defended the Trump administration’s actions and pushed back against the suggestion that the removal was a mistake.

At the outset, Collins cited a DOJ admission that the deportation was an “error.” However, Homan made it clear that he was speaking from an enforcement standpoint, not a legal one.

“I’m not an attorney. I’m an enforcement officer,” he explained. “From my perspective, the case was handled correctly.”

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Furthermore, Homan pointed out that the individual in question had been designated a terrorist. He said that in such cases, protections under withholding laws may no longer apply. “That’s just my opinion,” he said. “Ultimately, DOJ will settle the legal argument.”

When Collins questioned whether the U.S. had a responsibility for someone deported in error, Homan responded directly. “He’s an El Salvadoran national. El Salvador has him in custody, and they’ll determine his fate,” he said.

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Although Collins mentioned a judge’s earlier ruling barring deportation to El Salvador, Homan noted that circumstances have changed. “That decision was made years ago,” he said. “Conditions in the country are different now. The gang he was associated with no longer operates there. He’s also been designated a terrorist since that ruling.”

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Moreover, Homan listed several authorities that had tied the individual to MS-13. “Two federal judges, a police department, ICE records, and even El Salvador itself have identified him as an MS-13 member,” he said.

Collins then pressed Homan on why this information wasn’t included in court filings. In response, Homan explained that filing evidence is not within his purview. “DOJ handles litigation. I enforce immigration law,” he said.

Additionally, he pointed to new police reports released just one day earlier. These documents, according to Homan, confirm the individual’s membership and rank within MS-13. “This isn’t just about TV interviews,” he added. “The facts have been made public.”

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While Collins raised concerns about public statements not aligning with legal filings, Homan stood by his position. “Let the courts work it out,” he said. “But from where I stand, based on the evidence, we followed the law.”

Throughout the segment, Homan remained steady. He consistently emphasized that changes in facts and legal classifications should guide how cases are judged—not outdated rulings or political commentary.