White House Border Czar Tom Homan stood at a podium in Minneapolis this morning to clear the air regarding immigration enforcement in the state. After days of high tension, the message wasn’t just about making arrests.
It was about finding a way to keep things safe for everyone involved. Homan spoke after holding private meetings with Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
According to Homan, those face-to-face talks were productive. He told reporters that despite their political differences, everyone in the room agreed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a legitimate agency with a job to do.
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The focus, he said, remains on removing the “worst of the worst” from the streets. This includes killers, rapists, and gang members. However, Homan made a point to say that while criminals are the priority, nobody in the country illegally is strictly “off the table.”
A major development came when Homan discussed cooperation with local jails. He said Attorney General Ellison clarified that county jails are allowed to tell ICE when a criminal is scheduled for release. Homan argued this is the safest way to handle things.
If ICE can pick up a suspect at the jail, agents don’t have to go looking for them in neighborhoods or at workplaces. He said this protects the community, the agents, and even the suspects themselves.
Because of this new understanding, Homan announced he is willing to “draw down” the massive police presence currently seen in the area.
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“The reason for the massive deployment is because of the threats, because of the violence… We brought extra resources in to provide that security… When the violence decreases, we can drive down those resources,” said Homan.
He mentioned that President Trump gave him a specific order.
“One of the words [President Trump] said to me when I came up here — he didn’t want to see anybody die… I don’t want to see anybody die — even the people we’re looking for… I think my conversations the last two and a half days are leading us to a safer community,” said Homan.
Homan wrapped up by defending the officers on the ground. He called the agents patriots who deal with difficult circumstances and tragedy, reminding the public that they are mothers and fathers who just want to do their jobs professionally.
While the operations will continue, the strategy in Minnesota appears to be shifting toward more coordination with local police rather than conflict.
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