During the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa, Florida, Border Czar Tom Homan found himself in a heated exchange with a heckler who disrupted his speech.
Homan was addressing the audience on the Biden administration's approach to immigration, specifically criticizing the decision to release migrants to non-governmental organizations at a cost of $500 per night, despite the availability of more economical ICE facilities. He questioned, "Why did they do that? Because they know if theyre in ICE detention, theyre getting a hearing within 40 days. Ninety percent lose their case, [and] they get sent home. Thats not what they wanted. Theyre playing the long game."
According to Western Journal, the interruption came when a protester brandished an enlarged image of Homan, with "MS-13" photoshopped onto his knuckles. This was a pointed reference to the Trump administration's stance on gang affiliations, such as the El Salvadoran Kilmar Abrego Garcia's tattoos, which were cited as evidence of his ties to the notorious MS-13 gang. The heckler provocatively asked Homan, "Are you an MS-13 member? It says so on here," while pointing to the doctored image.
Homan, unfazed, challenged the protester, saying, "Ive got a question for you. Why dont you come up here and hand me that picture? Bring it. Bring it." The crowd, supportive of Homan, erupted in applause and joined him in chanting "USA, USA " Homan further addressed the audience, dismissing the heckler as one of the "morons" prevalent across the nation. He remarked, "This guy aint got the balls to be an ICE officer. This guy lives in his mothers basement. The only thing that surprises me is he dont have purple hair and a nose ring."
As security escorted the protester, who wore a shirt declaring, "I identify as Ultra MAGA," out of the venue, Homan taunted, "Get out of here, you loser." He also issued a challenge, "If youre such a badass, meet me offstage in 13 minutes and 50 seconds," before turning back to the audience with a quip that drew laughter and cheers: "I guarantee you he sits down to pee. Guaranteed."
The incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and the polarizing figures involved in its enforcement. Homan's response reflects a broader conservative frustration with what is perceived as leniency in the current administration's handling of border security and immigration enforcement.
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