Trump’s border czar Tom Homan blasts ‘embarrassment’ Hochul over New York’s sanctuary status, lax immigration laws — and calls for her ouster

President Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan Slams Governor Kathy Hochul Over New York’s Sanctuary Policies

Tom Homan, a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and President Trump’s border czar, has openly criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul, calling her an “embarrassment” and urging her removal from office. Homan’s remarks were made during a joint appearance with New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Fox News’ Fox & Friends. The criticism centers around New York’s sanctuary policies, particularly the state’s “Green Light Law,” which has become a focal point in the national debate over illegal immigration and law enforcement cooperation.

Homan’s frustration stems from the Green Light Law, enacted in 2019, which allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses while prohibiting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from sharing personal information about immigration status with federal authorities, including ICE. He argued that this law not only hinders federal immigration enforcement but also puts ICE officers and the general public at risk. “Gov. Hochul is an embarrassment to the position she holds,” Homan said. “She needs to be removed,” he added, emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation between state and federal agencies.

The Green Light Law and Its Impact on Immigration Enforcement

The Green Light Law has been a contentious issue since its inception. It grants driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, a move supporters argue is about road safety and inclusivity. However, critics like Homan contend that the law undermines public safety and national security by restricting the flow of critical information between state and federal agencies. Under the law, the DMV is barred from sharing personal information with immigration authorities unless a judicial warrant is obtained. Homan criticized this provision, saying it prevents ICE officers from running license plates during traffic stops in New York, thereby increasing the danger for law enforcement personnel. “The job is already dangerous,” Homan said. “She’s putting men and women at risk every day.”

Homan also referenced a tragic incident in December 2023, in which a woman was burned alive on a subway by an illegal migrant. He pointed out the contradiction in Hochul’s stance, noting that while the governor publicly expressed support for removing criminal aliens, her policies effectively block federal authorities from accessing the data needed to identify and deport dangerous individuals. “After someone is burned alive on a subway, she stands in front of TV cameras and says, ‘I think criminal aliens should be removed too,’” Homan said. “But she’s got the Green Light Law. She’s locking us out of the DMV data,” he added, highlighting what he sees as a glaring disconnect between rhetoric and reality.

Mayor Eric Adams’ Response to Homan’s Criticism

During the joint appearance on Fox & Friends, New York City Mayor Eric Adams listened impassively as Homan criticized Governor Hochul, a fellow Democrat. Homan did not directly address Adams during his remarks, but the mayor’s stone-faced reaction suggested a level of discomfort with the heated rhetoric. While Adams has faced his own challenges with managing the influx of migrants in New York City, he has not publicly opposed the Green Light Law. Instead, he has focused on addressing the city’s strained resources and calling for federal assistance to handle the crisis. Homan’s comments, however, have brought renewed attention to the state’s sanctuary policies and the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities.

The Legal Battle Over the Green Light Law Escalates

Homan’s criticisms came just days after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against New York State over the Green Light Law. The lawsuit argues that the law illegally restricts cooperation between state and federal immigration enforcement agencies, violating federal law and the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, the DOJ contends that the law impedes the ability of ICE to enforce immigration laws by limiting access to DMV records. The lawsuit represents the latest escalation in the ongoing legal and political battles over sanctuary policies across the United States.

In response to the lawsuit, Governor Hochul’s office dismissed the DOJ’s claims, calling them “dramatic” and politically motivated. A statement from her office defended the Green Light Law, emphasizing that it allows federal immigration officials to access DMV databases with a judicial warrant. “Our current laws allow federal immigration officials to access any DMV database with a judicial warrant. That’s a common-sense approach that most New Yorkers support,” Hochul said. She also took a swipe at broader Republican criticism, referencing Elon Musk’s “shadowy DOGE operation” and asserting that she would not permit unfettered access to personal data for federal agents or private entities. “We’re not going to let them get unfettered access to the personal data of any New Yorker in the DMV system,” she said, referencing 16-year-old drivers and other vulnerable individuals.

The National Debate Over Sanctuary Policies Continues

The controversy surrounding the Green Light Law reflects the broader national debate over sanctuary policies and illegal immigration. Critics like Homan argue that such laws create havens for criminal aliens and undermine public safety by withholding critical information from federal authorities. Supporters, on the other hand, assert that these policies protect vulnerable communities and ensure that undocumented immigrants can live and work without fear of deportation for minor offenses. The legal battle over the Green Light Law is unlikely to resolve this debate, but it has brought national attention to the tensions between state and federal governments over immigration enforcement.

As the lawsuit progresses, the stakes remain high for both sides. For Governor Hochul and supporters of the Green Light Law, the case is about protecting the privacy and rights of all New Yorkers, including undocumented immigrants. For critics like Homan and the DOJ, it is about ensuring that federal authorities have the tools and cooperation needed to enforce immigration laws and maintain public safety. The outcome of this legal challenge could have far-reaching implications for sanctuary policies across the United States, setting a precedent for how state and federal governments navigate the complex and often contentious issue of illegal immigration.

In conclusion, the clash between Tom Homan and Governor Kathy Hochul over the Green Light Law highlights the deep divisions in the national conversation about immigration, law enforcement, and state sovereignty. While Homan’s impassioned critique reflects the frustration of many who advocate for stricter immigration enforcement, Hochul’s defense of the law underscores the commitment of her administration to protecting the rights and privacy of all New Yorkers. The ongoing legal battle and the political rhetoric surrounding it serve as a reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in addressing illegal immigration in a divided nation.