In a stunning revelation, MSNBC has reported that Tom Homan, the White House’s current border czar and former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was investigated by the FBI for allegedly accepting $50,000 from undercover agents posing as business executives.
The probe, which began in 2024 in Texas, focused on whether Homan had promised to help the supposed executives win government contracts if Donald Trump returned to power.
On September 20, 2024, hidden cameras reportedly recorded Homan accepting $50,000 in cash at a meeting spot in Texas. According to multiple people familiar with the matter and internal Justice Department documents, the money was intended to secure future influence over federal contracts linked to border enforcement should Trump win the election.
The FBI and Justice Department initially planned to monitor Homan’s actions if he re-entered government service. The Public Integrity Section, known for handling sensitive corruption cases, was involved and four potential charges were considered: conspiracy, bribery, and two fraud counts. Several investigators believed there was already enough evidence to charge Homan with conspiracy to commit bribery based on his acceptance of cash and statements to undercover agents.
However, legal complexities arose. At the time of the alleged exchange, Trump was not yet president, and Homan was not a public official. Experts said federal bribery statutes did not clearly apply until an individual officially assumed office. Even so, legal specialists confirmed that conspiring to influence contracts improperly could still be a crime, regardless of whether the person ultimately delivered.
The undercover investigation stemmed from a separate case in Texas where another subject claimed Homan was soliciting payments to secure contracts in the event of Trump’s reelection. As agents pursued the lead, they connected with Homan, who allegedly suggested he would assist contractors for payment.
Homan, a career immigration enforcement officer, had launched his private consulting firm Homeland Strategic Consulting after retiring from ICE in 2018. The firm’s website boasted of securing tens of millions in federal contracts for clients. During the Biden administration, Homan stayed close to Trump and conservative organizations, frequently appearing as a Fox News commentator and contributing to Project 2025, a right-wing policy blueprint.
When Trump won a second term in 2024, he appointed Homan border czar, a role that did not require Senate confirmation or extensive background checks. This appointment raised concerns among Democrats about Homan’s past consulting work and financial ties to contractors in the border security industry. Representative Jamie Raskin and other Democrats demanded answers regarding potential conflicts of interest, warning that Homan’s new position gave him unique influence to benefit former clients.
Despite the mounting questions, the investigation soon stalled. According to six sources familiar with the case, the probe was indefinitely paused after Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. Senior Trump DOJ appointees, including former acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, reportedly opposed pursuing the case. Soon after, Trump administration officials officially shut it down.
FBI Director Kash Patel later requested a status update, after which the probe was formally closed. In a statement with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Patel declared that the matter had been reviewed and “no credible evidence of any criminal wrongdoing” was found. They insisted department resources should remain focused on real threats, not what they called “baseless investigations.”
The White House also dismissed the allegations. Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson condemned the probe as “blatantly political” and claimed it was part of the Biden DOJ’s efforts to target Trump’s allies. She emphasized that Homan was not involved in contract decisions, calling him “a career law enforcement officer and lifelong public servant.”
Legal experts told MSNBC that while bribery charges may not have been immediately applicable, conspiracy or fraud charges could have been pursued. They pointed to historical precedent, such as the Reagan-era Wedtech scandal, where individuals were convicted of conspiracy for accepting money while promising to influence contracts once in office.
Homan himself did not respond to requests for comment.
The episode highlights the friction between career investigators and Trump’s political appointees, who viewed the case as part of what they labeled a “deep state” attempt to undermine the administration. Critics argue that the dismissal of such cases reflects broader concerns about accountability and conflicts of interest within Trump’s Justice Department.
Homan’s career trajectory has long been tied to immigration enforcement. Beginning as a Border Patrol agent in the 1980s, he rose through the ranks before President Barack Obama appointed him to lead ICE’s deportation branch in 2013. During Trump’s first presidency, Homan was promoted to acting ICE director, where he played a major role in implementing the controversial “zero tolerance” policy that led to widespread family separations.
After leaving government in 2018, Homan profited from his consulting business before returning to Trump’s inner circle. Throughout the 2024 campaign, he openly touted that he would oversee mass deportations if Trump regained power. “We’re going to have the biggest deportation operation this country has ever seen,” he said in one interview.
Though the FBI sting produced video evidence of Homan accepting money, the DOJ’s decision to close the case leaves many unanswered questions. Congressional Democrats continue to demand transparency about his past financial dealings and potential conflicts in his current role.
For now, Trump’s Justice Department insists the matter is resolved, but the controversy underscores the challenges of investigating high-ranking political allies and raises fresh concerns over whether justice is applied equally across administrations.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
