Tom Homan, who served as President Donald Trump’s border czar, has responded to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s (D) claim that he is housing an undocumented immigrant at the governor’s mansion, calling the governor’s remarks “foolish” and vowing to investigate the matter. Murphy had previously stated, “I don’t want to get into too much detail, but there’s someone in our broader universe whose immigration status is not yet at the point that they are trying to get it to, and we said, ‘You know what, let’s have her live at our house above our garage.’ And good luck to the feds coming in to try to get her.” These comments, which Murphy later claimed were “misinterpreted,” drew significant criticism and mockery.

During a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Homan told Fox News that if Murphy is indeed harboring an undocumented immigrant and obstructing federal law enforcement, there will be serious consequences. “I think the governor is pretty foolish for saying what he said because I got note of it, and I won’t let it go; we’ll look into it. If he knowingly is harboring and concealing an illegal alien, that’s a violation. I will seek prosecution, or the secretary will seek prosecution. So maybe he’s bluffing. If he’s not, we’ll deal with that,” Homan declared. He also emphasized that sanctuary cities must align with the Trump administration’s policies, arguing that failing to cooperate with federal law enforcement allows violent criminals to benefit.

Following the backlash, Murphy’s office attempted to clarify his remarks, stating that they had been “misinterpreted.” A representative explained that the governor was referring to a friend who is a legal resident and expressed concern about the potential impact of Trump’s second term. The representative added that “no one’s ever lived in the home” under the circumstances Murphy described. Despite this clarification, the controversy has sparked a broader debate about immigration enforcement and the role of sanctuary cities.

Meanwhile, Homan reiterated the Trump administration’s commitment to deporting individuals who are in the country illegally, regardless of whether they have a criminal record. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), supported by other federal agencies, has been leading deportation operations, with daily statistics showing approximately 800 to 1,000 arrests of undocumented immigrants. The administration is also working to expand its capabilities by increasing the number of officers on the ground, securing additional funding for detention centers, and organizing more deportation flights. Homan’s remarks underscore the administration’s hardline stance on immigration and its determination to enforce federal laws, even in states or cities that resist cooperation.

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