Businessman Touts Connections to Tom Homan for Government Contracts

Trading on Tom Homan: Inside the Push to Cash In on 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 Homan's influence could help them secure lucrative government contracts. Industry executives who spoke with ProPublica said Sowell claimed to have connections to Homan and used those claims to pitch his services to potential clients. "He would say, 'I know Tom, I can get you in front of him,'" one executive recalled. "It was a sales pitch, plain and simple." Homan's involvement in the Trump administration's deportation campaign has been well-documented. As acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), he oversaw the agency's efforts to deport thousands of migrants. His appointment as border czar by President Donald Trump in 2020 marked a significant escalation of the administration's hardline immigration policies. The relationship between Sowell and Homan raises questions about the use of personal connections to influence government contracting decisions. "It's not just about who you know, it's about what you do with that knowledge," said one industry expert. "If someone is using their connections to get ahead, that's a problem." ProPublica's investigation found that Sowell's claims about his ties to Homan were likely exaggerated. While the two men did have a professional relationship, there is no evidence to suggest that Homan was actively involved in promoting Sowell's business interests. The implications of this story go beyond the specific case of Sowell and Homan. They highlight the broader issue of how personal connections are used to influence government contracting decisions. "This is a classic example of crony capitalism," said one critic. "When you have people using their connections to get ahead, it undermines the integrity of the system." As the story continues to unfold, ProPublica will provide updates on any new developments. Background: The Trump administration's deportation campaign was marked by controversy and criticism from human rights groups and lawmakers. Homan's appointment as border czar was seen as a key part of that effort. Additional Perspectives: Industry experts say the use of personal connections to influence government contracting decisions is not uncommon. "It's a sad reality, but it's true," said one executive. "If you don't have connections, you're at a disadvantage." Critics argue that this practice undermines the integrity of the system and creates an uneven playing field for companies competing for government contracts. Current Status: ProPublica's investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. *Reporting by Propublica.*