Tom Homan Responds to Chris Murphy's Claims About ICE Operations

<p>White House border czar Tom Homan responded on Sunday during CNN's "State of the Union" after Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of targeting parents at school bus stops in Danbury, Connecticut. Murphy stated on X that ICE is not targeting criminals but is instead targeting parents at school bus stops to instill fear in children.</p><p>Homan rejected Murphy's characterization of ICE operations, stating, "ICE isn't in the business of terrorizing children. That's just political fire. ICE is out there enforcing the law that was enacted by Congress. Did we arrest illegal aliens [that are] parents? I'm sure many are. But we're not out there to terrorize children." Homan also mentioned that he was unaware of the specific bus-stop arrest but would seek more information. He acknowledged that ICE no longer operates under its former sensitive-locations policy, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded the Biden-era guidance in January 2025, allowing officers discretion to conduct enforcement in or near schools, hospitals, and houses of worship.</p><p>A DHS spokesperson also responded to Murphy's comments, accusing the senator of attempting to gain political advantage while immigration officers face increased threats of violence. The spokesperson stated, "Any claim that ICE targeted parents at a school bus stop is FALSE," and added that Murphy's narrative is a fabrication aimed at scoring political points at the expense of officers who are facing a significant increase in assaults and threats.</p><p>DHS identified the individual arrested in Danbury as Leonel Geovanny Morocho-Arteaga, 28, who entered the country illegally before being arrested and released by Border Patrol in 2021. During a targeted vehicle stop, agents found a large kitchen knife in his vehicle. DHS noted that a child connected to the case remains under her mother’s guardianship without providing further details about their relationship.</p><p>Federal court records indicate that Morocho-Arteaga filed a habeas corpus petition in Connecticut on the same day as his arrest. DHS did not disclose the identities of other individuals described by Danbury United for Immigrants as parents or provide a total for the week's operations. Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves reported that close to 50 community members were detained last week and described ICE activity near schools and a daycare, with an advocacy group stating that four parents were taken while school buses were present.</p>