Donald Trump's top border advisor has forcefully rejected claims that recent immigration enforcement raids in Minnesota are designed to intimidate US citizens, instead framing them as a necessary public safety operation targeting illegal Somali migrants.
Television Clash Over Enforcement Tactics
The confrontation unfolded on Sunday when CNN anchor Dana Bash pressed former acting ICE director Tom Homan, now serving as Trump's border czar, about ongoing operations in Minnesota. Bash asserted that the raids were "sparking widespread fear and uncertainty" within the state's substantial Somali community, which numbers around 80,000 people, most of whom are US citizens or legal residents.
"So what is the reason for sending ICE there?" Bash challenged. Homan responded without hesitation, stating calmly, "We also know that there is a large illegal Somali community there." He emphasised that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is focused solely on individuals who pose a threat. "If you're a US citizen, you have nothing to fear. We're looking for criminal aliens," Homan stated, adding that ICE's priority remains public safety and national security.
Dispute Over Scale and Purpose of Operations
Bash countered, citing state officials who told her the population of undocumented Somali immigrants is "very, very small" and that the action seemed "more about scaring people more than it is about arresting criminals." When asked what the operation had actually accomplished, Homan replied, "Well, we're just starting," and disputed the figures, saying, "even we don't know how many illegal Somalis there are."
He framed the Minnesota actions as part of a broader national strategy to correct what he described as the unchecked migration influx under President Joe Biden. Homan claimed the Biden administration had over 2 million 'got-aways'—individuals who crossed the border illegally without being apprehended. "We're going to do the same thing in the Twin Cities that we've done across the nation," he asserted.
Broader Context and Trump's Stance
The raids come as Minnesota's Governor, Tim Walz, faces scrutiny over alleged fraud perpetrated against state welfare agencies by some Somali migrants. Trump has criticised Walz, accusing him of allowing Minnesota to become "a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity." In a separate Cabinet meeting, Trump made his position clear, stating Somali migrants "contribute nothing" and adding, "I don’t want them in our country."
Following the CNN interview, Homan appeared on Fox & Friends, where he revealed that over 62,000 migrant children had been saved from sex trafficking and forced labour under the Trump administration. He contrasted this with the Biden era, alleging that more than half a million children were smuggled into America, with about 300,000 going unaccounted for. "President Trump committed on day one that we will do everything we can to find every one of these children," Homan said, emotionally describing cases of abuse and trafficking.
