Washington: White House border czar Tom Homan emphasized the necessity of federal immigration officers wearing masks for their safety amid increasing threats and assaults. His comments were made during an interview on CBS News' Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.

According to Anadolu Agency, Homan acknowledged the unpopularity of masks but insisted on their importance for officer protection. He cited a substantial rise in assaults and threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, claiming increases of 1,500% and 8,000% respectively, although specific timeframes or sources for these statistics were not detailed.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previously reported a rise in assaults against ICE officers by over 1,300% in a January 26 release, yet similar to Homan, did not provide further context or data sources for these figures.

Homan's statements coincided with the onset of a partial government shutdown focused on DHS, due to unresolved disputes between congressional Democrats and the White House over immigration enforcement reforms. With lawmakers having departed Washington without reaching a funding agreement, they are not anticipated to reconvene until February 23.

Democrats have proposed reforms including the requirement for immigration agents to wear body cameras and identification, prohibiting masks, eliminating racial profiling, and enforcing judicial warrants for arrests on private property. Homan criticized these proposals, describing them as 'unreasonable' and asserted that ICE's actions comply with federal laws established by Congress and signed by a president.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the need for 'dramatic change' before any funding bills can advance. In the meantime, Homan noted that over 1,000 immigration agents have departed Minnesota, with several hundred more expected to follow, leaving only a 'small force' in the interim.