Trading on Tom Homan: Inside the Push to Cash In on the Trump Administration's Deportation Campaign
A Pennsylvania businessman who had Tom Homan on his payroll led companies to believe his connections to the future border czar could help advance their bids for government work, industry executives said.
In 2021, Charles Sowell, a consultant with ties to the Trump administration, reached out to Homan on LinkedIn seeking advice on border contracting work. The two men built a rapport based partly on their shared criticisms of then-President Joe Biden's border policies. By 2023, Sowell had convinced several companies that his connections to Homan could give them an edge in securing government contracts.
Industry executives who spoke with ProPublica said they were led to believe that Homan's involvement would help expedite the contracting process and provide preferential treatment for their bids. However, a review of government records shows no evidence of such favoritism.
"I was told that Tom's involvement would be beneficial in getting our company considered for these contracts," said one executive who wished to remain anonymous. "We were led to believe that his connections would give us an advantage over other companies."
Homan, who served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement from 2017 to 2018, had a long career in federal government before joining the Trump administration. His role as border czar was seen as a key position in implementing the administration's deportation policies.
The relationship between Sowell and Homan raises questions about the ethics of using personal connections to influence government contracting decisions. Critics argue that such practices can lead to unfair advantages for certain companies and undermine the integrity of the bidding process.
"This is a classic example of how personal relationships can be used to gain an advantage in government contracting," said Sarah Brunn, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School who specializes in business ethics. "It's a concern because it can lead to favoritism and unequal treatment of companies."
The implications of this story extend beyond the specific case of Sowell and Homan. It highlights the broader issue of how personal connections are used to influence government decision-making, particularly in areas related to immigration and national security.
As the Trump administration's deportation policies continue to be a contentious issue, the relationship between Sowell and Homan serves as a reminder of the complex web of interests that can shape government contracting decisions. The story also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in government contracting processes.
In response to questions from ProPublica, Homan declined to comment on his relationship with Sowell or any potential influence he may have had on government contracting decisions. Sowell did not respond to requests for an interview.
This story is part of a larger investigation into the Trump administration's deportation policies and their impact on immigrant communities. ProPublica will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Background:
The Trump administration's deportation policies were implemented in response to concerns about border security and immigration enforcement. The policies, which included increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the construction of a border wall, were met with widespread criticism from immigrant advocacy groups and some lawmakers.
Additional Perspectives:
Immigrant advocates argue that the relationship between Sowell and Homan highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in government contracting processes. "This is just another example of how the Trump administration's policies have been used to benefit corporate interests over the well-being of immigrant communities," said a spokesperson for the National Immigration Law Center.
Current Status:
The investigation into the relationship between Sowell and Homan continues, with ProPublica seeking additional information from government agencies and industry executives. The story has sparked renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability in government contracting processes.
Next Developments:
ProPublica will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available. In the coming weeks, we will be publishing additional stories on the impact of the Trump administration's deportation policies on immigrant communities and the role of personal connections in shaping government decision-making.
*Reporting by Propublica.*
