Border czar Tom Homan held a press conference in Minneapolis this week, reiterating that the Trump administration will press forward with aggressive immigration enforcement in Minnesota despite pushback from state and local leaders.
“Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals,” Homan said, stressing that coordination with county and city jails is critical for safely taking criminal illegal aliens into custody. “We are not surrendering the President’s mission in immigration enforcement.”
Homan detailed meetings with Gov. Tim Walz (D), Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Regarding Ellison, Homan noted that county jails may notify ICE of the release dates of criminal public safety risks so agents can assume custody immediately upon release.
He emphasized, however, that many local jurisdictions historically fail to alert ICE when criminal illegal aliens are released before trial or after posting bail, leaving communities exposed to public safety risks.
“Give us access to the illegal alien public safety threat in the safety and security of a jail,” Homan said. “It’s common sense. It’s safer for the community, it’s safer for the agent, and it’s safer for the alien.”
He added that federal agent drawdowns in the state would be contingent on cooperation from local officials.
Homan, 64, assumed command in Minnesota after Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino and several agents were reassigned.
He has been involved in federal immigration enforcement since the 1980s, rising to ICE director under President Trump and previously holding senior roles under President Obama.
According to KARE11, Homan received a Presidential Rank Award in 2015 “for leaders who achieve sustained extraordinary results.”
The administration’s surge in Minnesota follows two fatal shootings of Americans by federal agents this month, sparking widespread protests and criticism of enforcement tactics.
Homan said that hostile rhetoric against federal officers has contributed to an increase in assaults and argued that toning down inflammatory language could allow for more strategic redeployments of agents.
“Bottom line is you can’t fix problems if you don’t have discussions,” Homan said. “I didn’t come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines. You haven’t seen me. I came here to seek solutions, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
The operation illustrates the Trump administration’s broader policy of targeting all illegal aliens, not only those with serious criminal records.
Homan has long advocated for strict enforcement measures, emphasizing that “if you’re in the country, whether you’re not, you’re never off the table.”
Federal and local officials continue negotiations to ensure ICE can act efficiently while minimizing risks to agents and the community.
Homan remains on the ground to oversee operations, signaling the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws despite political resistance and public protests.
He underscored the importance of professionalism, stating, “Officers are performing their duties in a challenging environment, under tremendous circumstances, but they’re trying to do professionalism. If they don’t, they’ll be dealt with like any other federal agency. We have standards of conduct.”
The ongoing Minnesota operation highlights the tension between federal enforcement priorities and local political agendas, showing the potential consequences of sanctuary policies on public safety and demonstrating the administration’s determination to maintain law and order.
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