President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has arrived in Minneapolis with a heavy message: he plans to stay “until the problem is gone.” Homan was sent to take over federal immigration operations this week following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, incidents that led to the removal of CBP Commander Greg Bovino.
In a press conference Thursday morning, Homan struck a somber tone, claiming he had predicted violence would happen if the political temperature didn’t come down.
“I begged for the last two months on TV for the rhetoric to stop,” Homan told reporters. “I said in March — if the rhetoric doesn’t stop, there is gonna be bloodshed. And there has been. I wish I wasn’t right. I don’t want to see anybody die.”
RELATED: “I’ve Seen This Movie Before”: Homan Blames Rhetoric For Bloodshed In Minnesota
Homan tried to humanize the force he now commands, reminding the public that ICE agents are “mothers and fathers too” and asking for understanding regarding the pressure they face. While he acknowledged the public’s First Amendment right to protest, he urged Minnesotans to “keep it peaceful.” He was firm that his agents enforce existing laws, adding that “if you don’t like a certain law, take it up with Congress.”
Addressing the future of federal agents in the city, Homan laid out a condition for them to leave. “The withdrawal of law enforcement resources here is dependent upon cooperation,” he said.
Despite the change in leadership, Homan insisted the core goal remains. “We are not surrendering our mission at all,” he said. “We are just doing it smarter.”
READ: Pennsylvania Sen. Fetterman Torches Philly DA’s ‘Gross’ Nazi Comparison After Threat To Hunt ICE
He also took time to point fingers politically, blaming the Biden administration for failing to secure the border over the course of the administration’s four years and arguing that President Trump inherited a mess he now has to clean up.
The appearance marked a significant shift in style from previous officials, such as Kristi Noem and Greg Bovino, who were often seen as more combative.
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the two agents involved in Pretti’s death have been placed on administrative leave. This comes as a video released Wednesday appears to show a confrontation between Pretti and agents 11 days before the shooting. RELATED: Minneapolis Mayor: 11-Day-Old Video Doesn’t Justify Pretti Shooting
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