-Sackets Harbor, By Hans Wilder
The planned protests at Tom Homan’s home here in Sackets Harbor have sparked heated debate, but as someone born and raised in this close-knit community, I feel it’s my duty to stand up for a man I believe is being unfairly maligned. Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and now the “border czar” in the Trump administration, has dedicated his life to protecting our nation. Far from the heartless figure some protesters paint him as, Homan’s policies are grounded in decades of experience and a commitment to public safety—values that resonate deeply in our small town. I’m proud to share a hometown with him, and I’m here to set the record straight: Tom Homan’s work is about keeping America, and even Sackets Harbor, secure.
A Leader with Unmatched Experience
Tom Homan isn’t just a name in the headlines—he’s a neighbor with nearly 40 years of law enforcement under his belt. Starting as a Border Patrol agent, he rose through the ranks to lead ICE, and now, as “border czar,” he’s tasked with tackling one of our nation’s toughest challenges: illegal immigration. His firsthand knowledge of the border crisis—human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crime—gives him a perspective few can match. Here in Sackets Harbor, we value hard work and dedication, and Homan embodies both. The protests at his doorstep may grab attention, but they overlook the expertise he brings to the table.
Misguided Protests, Clear Solutions
The demonstrators gathering in our town likely see Homan’s tough stance on immigration as cruel or divisive. I get it—emotions run high on this issue. But as a Sackets Harbor resident, I see his approach differently. Homan’s “worst first” policy, for instance, zeroes in on deporting the most dangerous illegal immigrants—criminals, gang members, and threats to national security. During his time at ICE, this strategy took violent offenders off our streets, from sexual predators to drug traffickers. That’s not cruelty; that’s common sense. In a community like ours, where safety is paramount, Homan’s focus on removing the worst of the worst makes us all stronger.
Sanctuary Cities: A Risk We Can’t Afford
Homan’s criticism of sanctuary cities—places where local governments refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities—has also drawn ire. But hear me out: when cities shield dangerous criminals from deportation, it doesn’t just defy federal law; it endangers everyone. Homan has pointed out that this forces ICE agents to hunt down these individuals in our neighborhoods, putting both the public and officers at risk. Growing up in Sackets Harbor, I’ve always believed in the power of working together—local and federal authorities included. Homan’s push for cooperation isn’t about targeting immigrants; it’s about holding lawbreakers accountable and keeping our communities safe.
A Hometown Tie That Matters
As a lifelong Sackets Harbor resident, I feel a personal connection to Tom Homan’s mission. This isn’t some abstract policy debate for me—it’s about the place I call home. I’ve watched our town face the ripple effects of national issues, from the opioid crisis to economic strains. Homan gets it too; he’s seen how weak borders fuel these problems. His hardline stance isn’t rooted in spite—it’s a response to the chaos he’s spent a career fighting. Sharing this hometown with him gives me confidence that his heart is in the right place, even when the headlines say otherwise.
Compassion Through Law, Not Chaos
I won’t pretend the protests don’t come from a real place. People worry about families being torn apart or migrants facing hardship, and those concerns deserve a voice. But Homan’s policies aren’t about rejecting compassion—they’re about channeling it through the rule of law. He’s spoken often about the exploitation of migrants by cartels and the violence that spills into American towns when borders aren’t secure. By enforcing immigration laws, he’s protecting not just citizens but also the integrity of a legal immigration system that’s welcomed so many to places like Sackets Harbor over the years. That’s the balance he’s striking, and it’s one I support.
A Call to Stand with Homan
Tom Homan is a patriot, plain and simple. The protests at his home may cast shadows, but they can’t dim his resolve—or the truth of his mission. As a fellow Sackets Harbor native, I’m proud to stand with him. His work isn’t about division; it’s about defending the laws that keep our nation strong and our communities safe. To the protesters in our streets, I’d say this: look beyond the noise. Homan’s fighting for all of us—here in Sackets Harbor and across America. That’s a cause worth rallying behind.
