Pete Davidson Opens SNL as Border Czar Tom Homan, Training ICE Agents to Not Get Filmed When They Break the Law

Pete Davidson returned to "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) on January 31, 2023, to portray Tom Homan, who served as Donald Trump’s border czar. In the cold open segment, Davidson's character attempts to train Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, who are depicted as poorly prepared for their roles. The skit highlights the agents' lack of understanding regarding their jobs, particularly in light of recent chaos in Minneapolis. Davidson's portrayal aims to critique the training and operational effectiveness of ICE under Homan's leadership. During the skit, Davidson's character instructs the ICE agents on how to conduct themselves, specifically emphasizing the importance of avoiding being filmed while breaking the law. This comedic approach serves to satirize the perceived incompetence of the agency during Homan's tenure. Although Davidson does not closely resemble Homan, the intent of the sketch is to provide a humorous yet critical commentary on the state of immigration enforcement and the challenges faced by ICE agents. The cold open reflects broader issues related to law enforcement practices and the implications of inadequate training within the agency. By using humor, the segment aims to shed light on serious concerns regarding immigration policies and enforcement actions. Overall, Davidson's return to SNL and his portrayal of Homan serve as a vehicle for political satire regarding the effectiveness of ICE operations.