Border Czar Tom Homan is pushing back against criticism from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as federal immigration enforcement continues under “Operation Rotten Apple.”

Homan accused Hochul of failing to acknowledge the scale of cooperation problems between local authorities and federal immigration officials. He pointed to more than 13,000 immigration detainers that he says were not honored over the past year, and criticized a recently signed New York law restricting cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.

Homan also cited opposition from county sheriffs, saying that 15 sheriffs are challenging the law in court.

Responding to Mamdani’s criticism of ICE, Homan said federal immigration enforcement is not based on a person’s country of origin. He argued that individuals who have received final removal orders from immigration judges should be deported.

“I’m an equal opportunity deporter,” Homan said, emphasizing that ICE intends to enforce removal orders regardless of where an individual comes from.

TRUTH NUKE: Border Czar Tom Homan: “I’m an equal opportunity deporter. I don't care where you're from… if you've got an order of removal issued by an immigration judge you're gonna go home.”

“[New York Gov. Kathy Hochul] needs to listen to her sheriffs. You have 15 sheriffs in… pic.twitter.com/piNAsXys8j

— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) September 2, 2026