Trump's Border Czar Tom Homan Signals Possible Minnesota Drawdown, But Ties It to State Cooperation
White House border czar Tom Homan has indicated that federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota could be scaled back, but only after greater cooperation from state and local authorities. This comes amid mounting protests and political pressure over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown in the region.
Homan's Remarks Follow Fatal Shooting Incident
Homan's comments came days after a federal immigration officer fatally shot a protester in Minneapolis, marking the second deadly encounter involving federal agents in the state this month. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics.
Speaking to reporters in Minneapolis, Homan emphasized a "zero tolerance" policy for protesters who assault officers or interfere with their work, dismissing those flooding the streets as "agitators." He stated that immigration enforcement would not ease until local officials cooperate with ICE, particularly by allowing access to detainees held in county jails.
"Give us access to illegal aliens, public safety threats in the safety and security of a jail," Homan said. He argued that transferring immigrants to ICE custody while they are already detained is safer for officers and reduces the need for agents to conduct street operations, noting, "More agents in the jail means less agents on the street."
Shift Toward Targeted Enforcement Operations
While acknowledging that immigration operations in Minnesota "haven't been perfect," Homan insisted the administration was not backing away from its enforcement mission. He signaled a shift in strategy, saying ICE would focus on "targeted, strategic enforcement operations" prioritizing immigrants who pose public safety threats or have criminal records.
This message echoed a newly issued internal ICE memo, which instructs officers to avoid unnecessary engagement with agitators to prevent inflaming situations and to limit arrests to immigrants with criminal charges or convictions—a departure from earlier tactics involving random street stops.
"We can do better," Homan said. "We made some significant gains, significant coordination and cooperation, and you're going to see some massive changes occurring here in this city." His comments suggested a continued de-escalation after President Donald Trump said earlier this week he was looking to "de-escalate a little bit" and dispatched Homan to take over the operation.
Tensions Remain High Despite Conciliatory Tone
Despite Homan's remarks, tensions remain high. A day earlier, Trump warned Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Truth Social that he was "playing with fire" by refusing to have city authorities assist in enforcing federal immigration laws. Attorney General Pam Bondi reported that federal agents arrested 16 people in Minnesota for allegedly assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement.
Simultaneously, a federal judge in Minneapolis accused ICE of flouting court orders during the enforcement surge, citing at least 96 federal court orders violated in 74 cases. Judge Patrick Schiltz wrote, "This list should give pause to anyone—no matter his or her political beliefs—who cares about the rule of law."
Fatal Shootings Fuel Outrage and Political Fallout
Minnesota's Twin Cities have remained on edge since Trump ordered roughly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents to the region for a deportation drive dubbed Operation Metro Surge. Public anger intensified after two fatal shootings: Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot dead by an ICE agent on January 7, and intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, 37, was fatally shot on Saturday during a confrontation between agents and activists.
Administration officials initially defended the shootings and described both victims as "domestic terrorists," claims contradicted by multiple videos showing Pretti holding only a phone when agents restrained and shot him. Pretti had a legal permit to carry a firearm, which officers removed seconds before he was shot.
Democrats Threaten Shutdown Over ICE Reforms
The unrest has spilled into Congress, where Senate Democrats are threatening to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security, potentially triggering a partial government shutdown if the White House refuses to accept new restrictions on ICE. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would not provide votes until ICE is "reined in and overhauled."
"The American people support law enforcement. They support border security. They do not support ICE terrorizing our streets and killing American citizens," Schumer said. Democrats are demanding that agents remove masks, wear identification, use body cameras, obtain warrants for arrests, and adhere to an enforceable code of conduct.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith added, "Boil it all down, what we are talking about is that these lawless ICE agents should be following the same rules that your local police department does. There has to be accountability." Republicans remain divided, with some open to separating Homeland Security funding for further debate, while others warn against Democratic "political stunts."
As negotiations continue, it remains unclear whether Homan's assurances of a potential drawdown in Minnesota will be enough to defuse both street protests and a looming fiscal showdown in Washington.
