Businessman Trades on Ties to Trump's Deportation Chief to Boost Consulting Firm

Trading on Tom Homan: Inside the Push to Cash In on Trump Administration's Deportation Campaign A Pennsylvania businessman who had a close relationship with former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tom Homan used their connection to promote his consulting firm's services, industry executives revealed. Charles Sowell, a consultant from Pennsylvania, reached out to Homan in 2021 on LinkedIn for advice on border contracting work. By 2023, the two men had built a rapport based partly on their shared criticisms of then-President Joe Biden's border policies. Sowell used his connection with Homan to lead companies to believe that his consulting firm could help advance their bids for government contracts, industry executives said. Industry experts pointed out that Sowell's actions were not uncommon in the world of government contracting, where personal connections and relationships can play a significant role in securing lucrative deals. In an interview, Tom Homan acknowledged his relationship with Sowell but denied any wrongdoing or impropriety. "I have no idea what Mr. Sowell did or didn't do," he said. The revelation raises questions about the ethics of using personal connections to secure government contracts and whether such practices are in line with federal regulations. According to a report by ProPublica, Homan's relationship with Sowell was not an isolated incident. The investigation found that several companies used their connections to former Trump administration officials to gain an edge in securing government contracts. Industry experts pointed out that the use of personal connections and relationships is a common practice in the world of government contracting. "It's not uncommon for consultants to build relationships with former government officials," said one industry expert, who wished to remain anonymous. However, others argued that such practices can be problematic and may even violate federal regulations. The investigation by ProPublica also found that several companies used their connections to Homan and other former Trump administration officials to gain an edge in securing government contracts. In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for ICE said that the agency is committed to ensuring that all contracts are awarded fairly and without favoritism. As the controversy surrounding Sowell's actions continues to unfold, industry experts say it highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the world of government contracting. The investigation by ProPublica raises important questions about the ethics of using personal connections to secure government contracts and whether such practices are in line with federal regulations. Background: Tom Homan served as Acting Director of ICE from 2017 to 2018, capping a three-decade career in federal government. After leaving office, he became a prominent critic of President Biden's border policies. Charles Sowell is a consultant based in Pennsylvania who has worked with several companies on government contracting projects. Additional Perspectives: Industry experts say that the use of personal connections and relationships is a common practice in the world of government contracting. However, others argue that such practices can be problematic and may even violate federal regulations. The investigation by ProPublica highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the world of government contracting. Current Status: The controversy surrounding Sowell's actions continues to unfold, with industry experts calling for greater transparency and accountability in the world of government contracting. As the debate over the ethics of using personal connections to secure government contracts continues, one thing is clear: the use of such practices raises important questions about the integrity of the federal procurement process. Next Developments: The investigation by ProPublica is ongoing, with several companies and individuals facing scrutiny for their roles in promoting Sowell's consulting firm. As the controversy unfolds, industry experts say it will be essential to ensure that all contracts are awarded fairly and without favoritism. *Reporting by Propublica.*