Tom Homan appeared on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on February 15, 2026. Ed O’Keefe hosted the program in place of Margaret Brennan. Homan addressed issues amid a partial government shutdown over Department of Homeland Security funding.
Context of Shutdown
Congressional Democrats demanded reforms to immigration enforcement practices. They sought requirements for agents to wear body cameras, display identification, remove masks, end racial profiling, and obtain judicial warrants for arrests on private property. The demands followed fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota.
Statements on Masks
Homan expressed his view on masks for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. He said, “As far as the masks, look, you know, I don’t like the masks either, but because threats against ICE officers, you know, are up over 1500 percent, actual assaults, and threats are up over 8000 percent, these men and women have to protect themselves.”
Additionally. Homan suggested alternatives to mask bans. He said, “But masks, you know, why don’t they talk about maybe passing legislation to make it illegal to dox agents or something like that? But the masks right now are for officer safety reasons.”
Responses to Other Demands
Homan rejected claims of racial profiling. He said, “When they say stop racial profiling, that’s just not occurring. I mean, ICE will detain, briefly detain and question somebody – question somebody based on reasonable suspicion. It has nothing to do with racial profiling.”
Furthermore, Homan opposed judicial warrant requirements. He said, “That’s not what the federal law requires. If Congress wants that changed, then Congress can legislate.” Homan described some demands as unreasonable
Authorities removed over 1,000 individuals. He said, “We’ll get back to the original footprint, with the exception of the agents there to do the fraud investigation will stay there and continue their work until they’re done.”
A small security force remained temporarily. Hakeem Jeffries responded in a separate segment as House Minority Leader. Jeffries insisted on dramatic changes and called the demands commonsense. He said, “We need to make sure that there are actual independent investigations.”
