Homan, Border Czar, Entangled in Bribery Controversy

September 23rd, 2025
Arnav Goyal

A few days ago, US ‘border czar’ Tom Homan had a case dropped about a sting operation in relation to bribery. New allegations of scrutiny have emerged putting the credibility of the Department of Justice in question. While the absolute specifics are yet to be known, it’s almost certain that something happened.

The controversy centers on an operation by FBI agents conducted last year. These FBI agents posed as business executives seeking contracts tied to immigration enforcement, which is what Homan is widely known for. During this sting, agents allegedly offered Homan a bag containing $50,000 in cash. He was recorded appearing to accept the bag and indicating he might help the agents secure government contracts if Trump returned to office. At the time, Homan was not holding a government position, as the Biden Administration was still in office at that time.

After Trump was inaugurated, senior DOJ officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, reviewed the investigation. They concluded that there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing, letting Homan off the hook. The reasons cited for the decision were that Homan was not a government official when the alleged offer was made, and it was unclear whether promises of contract awards were solid enough as evidence in a case.

The White House has issued strong defenses to Homan. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and other officials have defended Homan, arguing the probe was politically motivated and that Homan was never in a position to award contracts, so the legal basis for bribery solicitation or corruption would have been weak.

However, critics, including many Democratic lawmakers, have reacted with concern. They are demanding greater transparency, such as, for example, the release of recordings and data related to the investigation to understand how the DOJ reached its decision to close the case without charges. Moreover, they have raised concerns that many of the DOJ’s top officials, such as FBI Director Kash Patel, are good friends with Homan, and this entire situation was a quid pro quo. Others have raised worries about possible political influence in DOJ operations, especially because Homan is seen as a close ally of President Trump.

Homan currently holds immense power in the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement agenda. He’s been one of the more visible figures pushing for tougher deportation policies, emphasizing border security. The case, while closed, poses larger questions about how investigations of political figures are conducted and how evidence is weighed when roles—official or not—are in higher question. Although it is unclear how this case will pan out, it is almost certain that more questions will arise because of this case being closed.