The Daily The Border Czar and a Bag of $50,000
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Oct 15, 2025 Devlin Barrett, a reporter for The New York Times covering the Justice Department and FBI, unveils the intriguing details of an undercover investigation involving Tom Homan, a former border czar. They explore how Homan received $50,000 in cash during a recorded FBI meeting and discuss how Trump's election shifted the focus of the investigation. Barrett highlights the legal complexities surrounding corruption and why the story remains captivating, with public interest fueled by the mystery of the cash's fate.
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How Homan Entered The Investigation
- FBI agents in Texas were undercover investigating a businessman and were told unprompted about Tom Homan.
- That mention pulled Homan into an unrelated probe and began a corruption line of inquiry.
The $50,000 Meeting And Recording
- On September 20, 2024, undercover agents delivered $50,000 in a takeout bag to Tom Homan and recorded the meeting.
- Sources say Homan accepted the cash and appeared willing to help secure contracts later.
Why $50,000 Could Still Be Significant
- The cash looked like the start of a long-term corrupt relationship rather than an immediate quid pro quo.
- Investigators saw the payment as evidence to develop further meetings and proof over time.