US President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan has defended mass deportations carried out during the administration’s first week back in office, asserting that the actions are necessary to ensure national security.

His remarks came after Hollywood actor Selena Gomez shared, and later deleted, a tearful video on Instagram condemning the arrests and deportations, which she said were targeting “everyday people and families.”

In her video, Gomez expressed deep concern over the crackdown, stating, “All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something, but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”

The video quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate. However, Homan dismissed her concerns during an interview with Fox News, stating, “I don’t think we arrested any families. We’ve arrested public safety threats and national security threats. Bottom line.”

Homan, known for his tough stance on immigration enforcement, reiterated that the administration would not back down. “We’re going to enforce the laws of this country. If they don’t like it, then go to Congress and change the law. We’re going to do this operation without apology. We’re going to make our communities safer,” he said.

He also defended the administration’s broader immigration agenda, describing the situation at the southern border during the Biden administration as the “biggest national security threat” of his lifetime.

Criticism and counter-reaction

Trump’s supporters and Republican leaders sharply criticized Gomez for what they viewed as an emotional overreaction. The actor later posted a follow-up message, stating, “Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people.”

The Trump administration has wasted no time in executing its immigration crackdown since President Trump’s inauguration last Monday. A series of executive orders have paved the way for increased deportations, including lifting restrictions on enforcement at sensitive locations such as schools, churches, and workplaces.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that 956 people were arrested in nationwide raids during the administration’s first week in office.

Homan defended the scale of the operations, arguing they were fulfilling Trump’s campaign promise to secure the US border and ensure public safety.

“President Trump won this election because people wanted strong border security,” he added.

The renewed focus on immigration enforcement has reignited a longstanding national debate. Critics argue that the policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities and create fear among immigrant families. Supporters, however, praise the administration’s commitment to law and order.