President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, is firing back against what he says are false claims being used to attack the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Speaking Friday on Newsmax, Homan accused critics of spreading misinformation about conditions at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is holding illegal immigrants awaiting deportation proceedings.
According to Homan, the latest accusations are part of a broader effort to undermine President Trump’s border security agenda.
Homan Calls Out “False Narratives”
For weeks, protesters and Democratic officials have targeted the Newark facility with allegations involving overcrowding, poor medical care, and even reports of a hunger strike.
Homan says those claims don’t match reality.
“Lies, lies, lies,” Homan said during the interview.
The Trump administration official stated that he personally visited the facility and found no evidence supporting many of the allegations being circulated by activists and political opponents.
Hunger Strike Claim Falls Apart
One of the most widely reported allegations involved claims that detainees were refusing food in protest.
Homan said the story quickly fell apart after officials reviewed what was actually happening.
According to Homan, some detainees skipped meals served in the cafeteria but continued ordering food through the commissary.
In other words, they were still eating.
“They called it a hunger strike,” Homan explained. “But nobody missed a meal.”
The revelation has fueled criticism from supporters of stricter immigration enforcement who argue that misleading narratives are being used to generate negative headlines.
Is The Facility Overcrowded?
Another claim focused on overcrowding.
Homan says the numbers tell a different story.
According to him, Delaney Hall currently houses roughly 700 detainees despite having a capacity of approximately 1,000 beds.
That means hundreds of beds remain available.
“There is no overcrowding,” Homan said.
The statement directly contradicts accusations made by activists who have demonstrated outside the facility for more than two weeks.
Medical Care Allegations Draw Sharp Response
Democratic lawmakers have also raised concerns about healthcare services provided inside the detention center.
New Jersey Senator Andy Kim recently claimed detainees reported problems involving medical treatment for vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women and cancer patients.
Homan says he investigated those claims himself.
According to the border czar, he asked state officials to provide names or specific cases involving inadequate medical treatment.
“They couldn’t give me a single name,” Homan said.
Surprise Inspection Reveals Different Picture
Homan says he didn’t rely on reports from staff members.
Instead, he conducted a personal inspection of the entire facility.
He said he toured housing units, recreation areas, medical facilities, showers, and dining halls.
Then he returned the following day without advance notice.
To evaluate conditions firsthand, Homan even ate the same meal served to detainees.
The meal reportedly included spaghetti with meat sauce, vegetables, rolls, dessert, and a fruit drink.
Homan joked that the portion was so large he couldn’t finish it himself.
The Bigger Immigration Battle
Homan believes the controversy has little to do with living conditions and everything to do with immigration enforcement.
Since President Trump returned to office, ICE operations have expanded dramatically as federal authorities increase arrests and deportations of illegal immigrants across the country.
Supporters say the effort is restoring law and order after years of weak border enforcement.
Critics argue the administration’s policies are too aggressive.
Homan sees the attacks on detention facilities as part of that larger political fight.
“They didn’t say much for four years,” Homan said. “Now they’re angry because ICE is enforcing the law.”
As the Trump administration continues its push for stronger border security, battles over immigration detention centers are expected to remain at the center of America’s political debate.
And if Homan is right, the fight may be just as much about competing narratives as it is about immigration policy itself.