In a recent exchange that has gone viral, Border Czar Tom Homan delivered a witty and pointed response to a reporter’s question about the state of the U.S. southern border, effectively dismantling what he perceived as a flawed premise. The confrontation, marked by Homan’s quick thinking and unapologetic style, underscores the ongoing debate over border security and the legacy of the Biden administration’s policies. This article examines Homan’s response, the context of the border crisis, and the broader implications for immigration policy discourse.

The reporter, identified as Caroline, questioned why the border should still be considered an emergency if crossings are at a record low under the Trump administration. Homan seized the opportunity to highlight the issue of “gotaways”—migrants who evade apprehension by Border Patrol. “I just mentioned gotaways, 38 yesterday,” Homan said, before turning the question back on the reporter: “Who are the gotaways? What? Where do they come from?” He then delivered the knockout blow: “We had over two million gotaways under Joe Biden’s administration. Why did two million people pay more to get away? Boom.”

Homan’s response was both humorous and incisive, emphasizing the security risks posed by gotaways—individuals who avoid detection and may include criminals or national security threats. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supports his claim, noting over 2.2 million known gotaways since Fiscal Year 2021 under Biden, compared to a daily average of just 77 in recent weeks under Trump. Homan’s point was clear: the Biden administration’s policies allowed millions to enter undetected, creating a public safety vulnerability that the current administration is addressing.

The exchange reflects Homan’s broader approach as Border Czar, characterized by aggressive enforcement and a focus on reversing what he calls a “crisis by design.” Since Trump’s return to office, illegal crossings have plummeted 95%, with CBP recording just 7,181 encounters in March 2025, down from over 10.3 million under Biden. Homan’s rhetoric, backed by these figures, resonates with supporters who view the border as a national security priority.

This moment also highlights the tension between media narratives and policy realities. By challenging the reporter’s premise, Homan exposed the complexity of border security, where low crossings do not erase the lingering threat of undetected entries. As the Trump administration continues its crackdown, Homan’s sharp exchanges are likely to keep shaping the immigration debate, demanding accountability from both policymakers and the press.