Federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota could soon look very different, according to border czar Tom Homan, who said Thursday that sweeping changes are already underway just days after he arrived in the state at President Donald Trump’s request.
According to the New York Post, while speaking at a morning news conference, Homan said he has spent less than three full days on the ground but claimed “a lot of progress” has already been made.
He signaled that federal authorities are reassessing their footprint in Minneapolis, including the possible redeployment of immigration agents, while warning activists and far-left groups that interference with federal operations will not be tolerated.
“I’ve been on the ground less than three full days,” Homan told reporters. “I’m staying until the problem’s gone, but we’ve made a lot of progress — a lot of progress — in the last few days.”
Homan outlined a recalibrated strategy that prioritizes targeted enforcement actions focused on illegal immigrants with criminal histories, while stressing that those without criminal records remain subject to arrest and removal under federal law.
“We will conduct targeted enforcement operations,” he said. “Targeted with a prioritization on public safety threats. I want to be clear — we are not surrendering the president’s mission on immigration enforcement.”
At the same time, Homan suggested that cooperation from state and local officials could lead to a reduced federal presence.
Roughly 3,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol personnel are currently operating in Minneapolis, though Homan declined to say how many might be pulled back.
In recent days, Homan has met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to address unrest tied to the ongoing immigration operation.
The city has been gripped by weeks of tension and confrontations between federal agents and protesters.
“I’m also pleased to announce I had a very good meeting with Attorney General Ellison, and he has clarified for me that county jails may notify ICE of the release dates of criminal public safety risks, so ICE can take custody of them,” Homan said.
He praised what he described as improved coordination with state leaders, adding, “We can do better. And I thank the local state leaders for meeting with me, we made some significant gains, significant coordination and cooperation, and you’re going to see some massive changes occurring here in this city.”
Homan also appeared to take aim at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, amid reports of internal disagreements over enforcement tactics.
“I didn’t come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines,” Homan said. “I came here to seek solutions, and that’s what we’re going to do, and we’ve come a long way.”
His visit follows the fatal shootings of two anti-ICE protesters earlier this month, incidents that have intensified scrutiny of the federal operation. Homan warned that organizers who cross the line from protest to obstruction will face consequences.
“I’m not going to show our hand,” he said. “Justice is coming.”
“You have your First Amendment rights. I support that,” Homan added. “But threatening law enforcement officers, engaging, impeding and obstruction, is never OK. There will be zero tolerance.”
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