Nigel Farage told a crowd in the United States that he plans to recruit Tom Homan, the architect of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement, to manage the UK’s borders. “I’ve got terrible news for you. We’re hijacking Tom Homan and taking him back with us to secure our borders,” Farage said, framing the recruitment as a bold, almost forceful move. The comment landed in a room where Homan was the guest of honor, signaling a direct pitch to the US official who has faced intense scrutiny for his role in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
The proposal aligns with Reform UK’s longstanding platform of mass deportations and using the Royal Navy to intercept migrant vessels in the English Channel. Farage has previously described Homan’s deportation tactics as uncompromising, a quality he now seeks to transplant across the Atlantic. This isn't just a rhetorical flourish; it’s a specific policy blueprint aimed at leveraging US enforcement expertise to tackle what Farage describes as a crisis at Britain’s borders.
Farage’s tone toward Washington has shifted dramatically. Just months ago, in April, he publicly distanced himself from President Trump, claiming they hadn’t spoken in months and questioning Trump’s judgment regarding the Iran conflict. Now, he is urging Europe to adopt a “more sensible view” of the Trump administration, criticizing mainstream media for portraying it as villainous. The pivot is stark, moving from distance to direct collaboration.
The alignment isn’t perfect. Farage recently clashed with Trump over Northern Ireland, stating that the region is a “proud and integral part” of the UK and rejecting Trump’s suggestion of a united Ireland. Despite this friction on sovereignty, the two figures are converging on immigration policy. The next test will come when Farage returns to Westminster, where he must convince his party members and potential allies that importing a controversial US enforcement figure is a viable, not just symbolic, solution.