Tom Homan's return to Washington as White House border czar has revived scrutiny over allegations that he accepted a $50,000 (£36,540) bribe during an undercover FBI operation in 2024.
The claims, often referred to as the 'bag of cash' scandal, have gained renewed attention as President Donald Trump continues to publicly back Homan and expand his role in immigration enforcement. While the White House insists the matter was reviewed and closed with no wrongdoing found, critics say the unresolved questions have not gone away.
What the $50,000 Bribery Claims Involve
The allegations centre on an FBI sting in which Homan was accused of accepting $50,000 (£36,540) in cash while being secretly recorded. The operation reportedly took place before Trump's return to office, with claims that the exchange was designed to test whether Homan would offer assistance linked to future enforcement priorities.
The White House has consistently denied that Homan accepted any money or committed any offence, saying an internal review found no evidence of criminal conduct. No charges have been filed, and federal authorities have not released any recordings or detailed findings.
Who Is Tom Homan and Why He Matters
Tom Homan is a veteran of US immigration enforcement with more than three decades of service. He rose through the ranks to become acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump's first term, where he became one of the most vocal defenders of the administration's hardline border policies.
Homan later retired, appearing regularly on conservative media before returning to government in 2025 as border czar, a role that allows him to report directly to the president rather than through the Department of Homeland Security.
Why Trump Still Backs Homan
Despite the controversy, Donald Trump has stood firmly behind Homan. Aides say Trump values Homan's loyalty, experience and willingness to push aggressive enforcement measures.
Supporters also point to Homan's career credentials, including a Presidential Rank Award he received in 2015 under the Obama administration. The White House has framed the bribery allegations as politically motivated and maintains that Homan was cleared of any misconduct.
Minnesota Protests and Federal Pushback
Homan's profile rose again after Trump announced he was sending him to Minnesota amid protests following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents.
Demonstrations in Minneapolis have intensified criticism of federal immigration tactics, with Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey accusing federal authorities of escalating tensions.
Trump also singled out Representative Ilhan Omar in social media posts, alleging welfare fraud claims her office has repeatedly denied.
Internal Tensions at the Top of DHS
According to reporting by Axios, Homan's return has sharpened tensions with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Insiders described parallel chains of command and confusion over who ultimately sets enforcement priorities. Trump has played down the rift, saying both officials are doing a good job despite not getting along.
This is good news for peace, safety, and accountability in Minneapolis.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 26, 2026
I have worked closely with Tom over the last year and he has been a major asset to our team— his experience and insight will help us in our wide-scale fraud investigations, which have robbed Americans, and... pic.twitter.com/sLtArl1QcT
Parallel Controversies Add Pressure
Noem has faced her own backlash after confirming in a forthcoming book that she shot and killed her dog, an account first reported by The Guardian.
While unrelated to immigration policy, the episode has added to scrutiny of leadership within the administration as Homan's bribery allegations continue to resurface.
Operation Metro Surge and What Comes Next
Homan's expanded role includes oversight of Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative deploying ICE and CBP agents for interior enforcement operations.
DHS has said the effort targets individuals 'amenable to removal' under federal law, including some without criminal convictions if encountered during operations.
With protests ongoing and questions lingering over the closed FBI probe, Homan's position remains both influential and controversial as Trump presses ahead with his immigration agenda.
