During the 2025 CPAC convention at National Harbor, just outside Washington D.C., Tom Homan’s speech became one of the most talked-about moments of the event. Homan, a seasoned border security expert, delivered a fiery, unapologetic address that placed the issue of border security front and center. His words were a direct response to what he and many conservatives view as the failures of the current administration, which they believe has allowed illegal immigration and crime to spiral out of control.
Border security has long been a critical focus for the Republican Party, but it took on even greater significance after the perceived mismanagement of immigration policies under the Biden administration. For years, the GOP has rallied around the idea of securing the southern border, ensuring the safety and sovereignty of the United States. Homan, as a former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the Trump administration, became a key figure in this fight. He was widely praised for his no-nonsense approach to immigration enforcement and his commitment to keeping the nation safe from illegal crossings.
Homan’s involvement with the Trump administration’s border security efforts made him a household name among conservatives. His leadership in overseeing the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws was seen as a tough, pragmatic approach that resonated with those frustrated by the perceived leniency of the previous administration. Trump’s decision to appoint Homan as the Border Czar was met with widespread approval among Republicans who saw him as the right man for the job. Homan’s passion for border security was unmistakable, and his tough stance on illegal immigration became a hallmark of his public persona.
However, this stance also earned him significant criticism from the left. Throughout the Biden administration, Homan became one of the fiercest critics of Vice President Kamala Harris and her handling of border issues. His appearances on Fox News, often in impassioned, fiery rants, painted a picture of a border in chaos and a government failing to uphold the law. For many, Homan’s outspokenness symbolized a much-needed voice of reason in a climate that many conservatives felt had lost its way on border issues.
At CPAC 2025, Homan’s speech lived up to his reputation. He took the stage just before former President Donald Trump, drawing a massive crowd eagerly awaiting his words. The first thing he said was blunt and unapologetic: “Let me start by saying, if I offend anyone today, I don’t give a shit.” This bold declaration set the tone for the rest of his speech, signaling to everyone that he was not there to make friends with the left or sugarcoat his views.
Homan’s remarks continued similarly, as he called out specific politicians and cities that he believed were undermining efforts to secure the border. One of the most striking moments of his speech came when he directly addressed the leadership of Boston, a city known for its sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In response to Boston’s refusal to allow ICE intervention in sanctuary cities, Homan declared, “I’m coming to Boston, and I’m bringing hell with me.” This statement was met with wild applause from the crowd, as Homan’s words resonated with conservatives who felt that their concerns about illegal immigration were being ignored or even mocked by left-wing city governments.
His fiery rhetoric was a direct challenge to the growing influence of sanctuary cities and what he saw as the erosion of law and order. For Homan, the border crisis wasn’t just about policy; it was a matter of national security and the safety of American citizens. His words at CPAC underscored his belief that the fight for secure borders was far from over and that those in power who stood in the way of this mission would have to answer to the American people.
In the larger context of the CPAC convention, Homan’s speech was a clear message to the Republican base: border security remains a top priority, and some politicians are willing to fight for it, no matter the cost. His uncompromising stance on the issue of illegal immigration served as a reminder that, for many Republicans, securing the nation’s borders is not just a political issue—it’s a moral imperative. As Homan’s speech came to a close, the enthusiasm and energy in the room suggested that his message would continue to resonate for years to come.
