Border Czar Tom Homan Commits to Minnesota Until Immigration Issues Are Resolved
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Tom Homan, the White House border czar and former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), pledged Thursday to remain in Minnesota “until the problem is gone,” vowing to lead federal immigration enforcement efforts in the Twin Cities amid rising concerns over public safety. His announcement came during a news conference marking his first public remarks since President Donald Trump deployed him to the state earlier this week to address what the administration describes as a growing crisis involving violent illegal aliens.
Homan emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and local authorities, revealing that he held a “very productive” meeting with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Wednesday. In a significant development, Ellison agreed to notify ICE when local jails release violent illegal aliens — a key request from federal law enforcement aimed at preventing potentially dangerous individuals from reentering communities unnoticed.
“One ICE agent can arrest one bad guy when he’s behind the safety and security of a jail,” Homan explained. “But when you release that public safety threat illegal alien back into the community — we have a job to do. We’re going to arrest him, so we’re going to find him.”
The administration is reportedly working on a “drawdown plan” to eventually reduce the federal agent presence in Minnesota once the situation stabilizes. Homan’s presence underscores the Trump administration’s intensified focus on immigration enforcement beyond the southern border, extending efforts into northern states like Minnesota.
The move follows mounting tensions in the state, where local officials and immigrant advocates have criticized federal immigration operations as disruptive and counterproductive. However, Homan’s appointment signals a shift toward more aggressive federal intervention, with the goal of curbing crime attributed to illegal immigration.
Minnesota has become a focal point for immigration enforcement due to its sizable immigrant population and recent incidents involving violent offenders who are in the country illegally. The cooperation from state law enforcement marks a notable change, as previous relations between federal agencies and local officials were often strained.
The Department of Homeland Security’s ongoing policies emphasize partnership with state and local governments to enhance border security and interior enforcement, and Minnesota’s new collaboration fits within this framework. The agreement to share information about jail releases is expected to improve ICE’s ability to track and apprehend individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
This development also comes amid broader national debates over immigration enforcement, with critics arguing that aggressive ICE operations can harm immigrant communities and erode trust in law enforcement. Supporters, including Homan and the Trump administration, maintain that such measures are necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens.
The federal government’s intensified focus on Minnesota is part of a wider strategy to address immigration challenges across the country, as documented by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and related agencies. Homan’s commitment to stay in the state “until the problem is gone” signals a long-term federal presence aimed at disrupting criminal networks and enhancing public safety.
As the situation evolves, federal officials plan to continue working closely with Minnesota authorities to ensure coordinated enforcement efforts. The partnership may serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues, highlighting the complex balance between immigration policy, law enforcement, and community relations.
For now, Homan remains resolute in his mission, underscoring that federal agents will actively pursue individuals who are released from custody and pose a risk. “We’re going to fix this,” he said, signaling a no-tolerance approach to illegal immigration-related crime in Minnesota.
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