Saturday Night Live marked its monumental 1,000th episode with a politically charged cold open that directly targeted Immigration and Customs Enforcement and senior Trump administration officials, sparking immediate controversy and divided viewer reactions.
Pete Davidson's Surprise Return
The landmark episode opened with the unexpected return of former cast member Pete Davidson, who portrayed White House Border Czar Tom Homan in a sketch set against the backdrop of real-world tensions in Minneapolis. The city has been experiencing ongoing protests and multiple investigations following recent ICE operations that resulted in civilian deaths.
Mocking ICE Leadership
In the sketch, Davidson's Homan character arrives in Minneapolis to meet with ICE unit commanders, supposedly to address what he calls "the chaotic situation in Minnesota." Instead, he encounters a group of agents portrayed as clueless, aggressive, and dangerously ill-informed about their fundamental mission.
"My name is Tom Homan," Davidson began the cold open. "Now I'm sure a lot of you are wondering why Greg Bovino, the last guy, was dismissed. I wanna stress that it wasn't because he did a bad job or publicly lied about the shooting of an American citizen or even, oh, dressed like a Nazi. It was that he was filmed doing these things."
Basic Questions, Absurd Answers
The sketch escalated as Davidson's character attempted to walk his fictional agents through basic law enforcement principles. When he asked the agents why they were in Minneapolis, one replied flatly: "Pass." Another suggested: "This could be wrong, but Army?"
Davidson then responded: "That's close. We're here to detain and deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes." To which one agent replied: "That is literally the first I'm hearing of that."
The absurdity continued as Davidson's Homan tried to establish proper protocols. "Forget everything you were told before. We're not here to intimidate, racially profile or violate anyone's rights. So again, what are we looking for?" he asked.
"Epstein files," an agent replied, referencing the real-world Justice Department release of three million documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that occurred just the previous Friday.
Pointed Political Commentary
The sketch contained multiple layers of political commentary, with James Austin Johnson's agent delivering perhaps the most pointed line of the night: "You hired a bunch of angry, aggressive guys, gave us guns and didn't train us, so this is maybe what you wanted to happen?"
The scene concluded with Davidson attempting a motivational appeal. "Can we do our jobs without violating anyone's rights as Americans?" he asks. Kenan Thompson's agent replies simply: "No." Davidson responds: "Well, I had to ask. Maybe just try not to get filmed?"
Real-World Context
The sketch was set against the backdrop of genuine public anger over the killing of Alex Pretti during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. On the same Saturday the episode aired, cyclists gathered for a group ride to honor Pretti in Minnesota, while anti-ICE demonstrations continued across the country following both Pretti's death and that of Renee Good during similar operations.
Weekend Update Doubles Down
The show maintained its political focus during the "Weekend Update" segment, where anchor Colin Jost mocked President Trump's decision to deploy Homan to calm the Minneapolis situation. "This feels like trying to quit cocaine by taking up crack," Jost said.
Jost then turned his attention to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, referencing controversy surrounding her comments on the Pretti shooting. "Homeland security's initial review of the Alex Pretti shooting does not say that he attacked officers, which contradicts Kristi Noem's claims," Jost said. "But none of that really matters to Kristi Noem. She'll open fire, even if you're a good boy."
This remark alluded to Noem's own 2024 memoir, in which she revealed she shot her dog after it misbehaved—a story that sparked national outrage when it was published.
Immediate Viewer Backlash
Online reaction to the sketch was swift and deeply divided, with many viewers expressing frustration at SNL's increasingly overt political tone. One viewer wrote on social media: "Thought this was a comedy show….. Not funny." Another agreed: "This is not funny." A third criticized Davidson's portrayal specifically, writing: "Pete Davidson is the worst SNL Tom Homan you could possibly imagine."
The sketch featured multiple cast members including James Austin Johnson, Ben Marshall, and Kenan Thompson as various ICE agents, all contributing to the satirical portrayal of federal immigration enforcement tactics that has become increasingly controversial in recent months.
