Two federal lawsuits filed Monday by the Democracy Defenders Fund accuse Trump administration agencies—DOJ and DHS—of FOIA violations by delaying or withholding records on $50,000 in alleged bribes accepted by Border Czar Tom Homan.
Case Background
The suits stem from a September 2025 MS Now report detailing a Biden-era FBI sting where undercover agents posed as executives and gave Homan cash in a bag for promised Trump contracts. The probe, launched late 2024, vanished without explanation after Kash Patel’s FBI and AG Pam Bondi’s DOJ took over, deeming no “credible evidence” of wrongdoing.
FOIA requests hit both agencies February 3, 2026: DOJ for investigation files, undercover apps, interviews, and Trump-era communications; DHS for emails, logs, meetings, and ethics docs involving Homan and staff (including personal accounts).
DOJ Violations
No records produced or exemptions justified—deemed outright denial. Subagencies acknowledged but delayed: one cited 12 months, another 109-request backlog, OIP projected November 2027 (650 days). Plaintiffs argue this blocks public insight into Homan’s clearance as senior adviser despite the cash grab.
DHS Violations
Failed to search adequately; only CBP limited scope to one custodian. No substantive responses, documents, or expedited processing rulings (fee waiver granted). Aims to uncover corrupt contract ties.
Plaintiffs seek judicial orders for disclosure, FOIA compliance rulings, injunctions, and attorney fees—highlighting opacity under the current administration amid Homan’s ongoing role. This political corruption angle diverges from the familial violence cases you’ve shared; thoughts on the shift?
