Trump Border Czar Proposes Agent Reduction in Minnesota Immigration Operations
In a significant development from Minneapolis, President Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan has indicated that the substantial federal presence conducting immigration raids in Minnesota could be scaled back, but only under specific conditions involving cooperation from state and local authorities. Homan delivered this message during his first press briefing since being dispatched to the region by the President following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti last weekend.
Conditions for De-escalation Outlined
Homan explicitly linked any potential reduction in the approximately 3,000 federal agents participating in the ongoing operation to two key factors: increased cooperation from Minnesota's leadership and a decrease in what he described as protester interference. "When violence decreases, we can reduce resources," Homan stated, adding that "the reduction will happen based on these agreements. But reduction can happen even more if the hate rhetoric and impediment and interference stop."
This statement came despite President Trump appearing willing to de-escalate the federal presence in Minneapolis and St. Paul after criticism emerged regarding civilian deaths at the hands of agents. Homan emphasised, however, that the administration remains unwavering in its approach to illegal immigration.
Zero Tolerance Warning to Protesters
The border czar issued a stern warning to demonstrators, declaring "zero tolerance" toward anyone who assaults federal officers or interferes with ongoing operations. "Threatening law enforcement officers, participating and impeding, and obstructing, and assaulting is never right, and there will be zero tolerance," Homan asserted during the briefing.
He acknowledged that operations haven't been perfect, stating "I don't want to hear that everything that's been done here has been perfect. Nothing is ever perfect," but maintained the administration's commitment to its mission.
Focus on Targeted Operations and Jail Cooperation
Homan reiterated the administration's need for jails to alert Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about inmates who may be deportable, arguing that transferring such individuals while still in custody is safer and would require fewer agents on streets searching for undocumented immigrants. "Give us access to illegal aliens, public safety threats in the security and protection of a jail," he urged.
The border czar also suggested a renewed focus on what ICE terms "targeted operations" designed to concentrate efforts on apprehending immigrants who have committed crimes. He indicated the agency would conduct "strategic targeted enforcement operations" prioritising "public safety threats."
Background Context and Leadership Changes
Homan's arrival in Minnesota followed the departure of field chief Greg Bovino, who had been the visible face commanding the raids. The border czar declined to provide a specific timeline for his Minnesota stay, declaring "I will stay until the problem disappears," while noting he has met with elected officials and law enforcement leaders throughout the city and state seeking common ground.
The press conference occurred against the backdrop of two recent fatal shootings involving federal agents: 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot dead during an altercation with Border Patrol agents last Saturday, while earlier this month an ICE officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good. Despite Trump softening his rhetoric about Minnesota officials this week—saying they were on a "similar wavelength"—there were few signs on the ground of any major operational changes.
