Homan lays out ICE strategy in Minnesota, says he will stay until problem is 'over'

Key Concepts

• Targeted Enforcement Operations: Focusing immigration enforcement on individuals posing public safety or national security threats.
• ICE Detainers: Requests made to state and local law enforcement agencies to hold individuals suspected of immigration violations.
• Sanctuary Jurisdictions: Areas that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
• Operational Metro Surge: A deployment of federal law enforcement resources to a specific area to address immigration-related concerns.
• Gotaways: Individuals who successfully evade apprehension by border patrol agents.
• Prioritization of Criminal Aliens: Focusing enforcement efforts on individuals with criminal records or posing a public safety risk.

Addressing the Crisis in Minnesota: Remarks by Tom Homan

Introduction & Initial Assessment

Tom Homan, acting on a direct request from President Trump, arrived in Minnesota on Monday evening to address concerns regarding law and order and remove threats from the community. He emphasized that significant progress had been made in the initial three days, working alongside Marcos Charles (ICE Operations) and Commissioner Rodney Scott (Customs and Border Protection). Homan clarified he wasn’t seeking photo opportunities but solutions, and acknowledged he didn’t expect complete agreement with local officials, but dialogue was essential. He stated, “You can’t fix problems if you don’t have discussions.”

The Legacy of the Previous Administration & National Security Concerns

Homan highlighted the influx of over 10 million illegal aliens during the previous administration, characterizing many as potential national security and public safety threats. He specifically cited “two million known gotaways” – individuals who evaded border patrol and paid to avoid detection, stating, “That should scare the hell out of everybody.” He reiterated President Trump’s commitment to ensuring community safety, focusing on identifying and removing aliens posing threats.

Collaboration with State and Local Officials & Key Agreements

Homan detailed meetings with Governor Waltz, Attorney General Ellison, and Mayor Fry, as well as numerous police chiefs and sheriffs. While disagreements existed, a consensus emerged regarding the paramount importance of community safety and the legitimacy of ICE as a law enforcement agency. A key agreement reached was to prevent the release of public safety risks back into the community, allowing for lawful transfer to ICE custody. He praised the Minnesota State Prison System for honoring ICE detainers, stating this decision had demonstrably improved safety for both residents and law enforcement.

Addressing Sanctuary Policies & the Importance of Cooperation

Homan strongly condemned “sanctuary cities,” labeling them “sanctuaries for criminals” that endanger residents. He clarified he wasn’t requesting state and local officials to become immigration officers, but rather to cooperate with federal authorities in removing criminal aliens from the streets. He emphasized the increased safety and efficiency of arresting individuals within the security of a jail versus conducting street arrests, stating, “Give us access to the illegal alien public safety threat in the safety and security of a jail. It's common sense.”

The Impact of Rhetoric & Officer Safety

Homan addressed the escalating threats against ICE officers, linking them to “hateful rhetoric.” He explained that the need for increased security during arrests – including larger teams and security details – significantly increased operational costs and put more agents on the street. He argued that cooperation with local jails would allow for a “draw down” of agents, increasing efficiency and reducing risk. He stated, “One agent can arrest one bad guy in the safety and security of a jail where he's behind the wire.” He revealed that CBP and ICE staff are already developing a drawdown plan based on cooperation levels and remaining targets.

Targeted Enforcement & Prioritization

Homan affirmed a commitment to “targeted enforcement operations,” a strategy employed for decades, focusing on individuals with known criminal and immigration histories. He explicitly stated that prioritizing criminal aliens did not mean neglecting other immigration enforcement efforts, dismissing the argument as “ridiculous.” He emphasized the importance of upholding integrity, professionalism, and compassion within CBP and ICE, holding agents to high standards. He stated, “We are not surrendering the president's mission in immigration enforcement.”

Addressing Concerns Regarding Victim & Witness Protection

Homan directly refuted the argument that cooperating with ICE would discourage victims and witnesses of crimes from reporting to law enforcement. He asserted that the focus was solely on individuals already in custody, stating, “All we want is to talk to the person that local and state law enforcement authorities locked in a jail cell. They chose to lock this person up. That's who we want to talk to.” He dismissed the argument as “bunch of crap,” arguing that victims and witnesses also want criminals removed from their neighborhoods.

The Human Cost & Call for Decorum

Homan concluded with a powerful appeal for respect and safety for ICE and Border Patrol agents, acknowledging the trauma they experience while enforcing the law. He recounted harrowing experiences, including witnessing drownings and rescues of victims of cartel violence. He implored the public to cease the “hostile rhetoric and dangerous threats” that have led to increased assaults on officers and the need for larger security details. He stated, “These men and women that carry that badge and gun are American patriots.” He begged for the rhetoric to stop, warning that continued hostility would lead to bloodshed, stating, “I wish I wasn't right.”

Q&A Highlights

• Operational Metro Surge Objectives & Timeline: The drawdown of resources is directly tied to the level of cooperation received from state and local authorities. Targeted enforcement operations will continue nationwide.
• The Role of Alex Prey’s Shooting: Homan declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the need to allow the process to unfold.
• Addressing Past Failures: Homan acknowledged failures during the previous administration, specifically citing the open border policy and the resulting surge in illegal immigration, fentanyl overdoses, and sex trafficking. He stated, “Four years we were told the border is secure…and we all knew it wasn't.”
• Accountability for Attacks on ICE: Homan assured that those organizing and funding attacks on ICE agents would be held accountable, stating, “Justice is coming.”
• Current Agent Deployment: Approximately three ICE and Border Patrol agents are currently operating in the state, with rotations occurring due to the prolonged deployment and the need for rest and recovery.

Conclusion

Tom Homan’s visit to Minnesota underscored the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, prioritizing public safety, and securing the border. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with state and local officials, while simultaneously condemning sanctuary policies and the escalating threats against law enforcement. The success of the operation, and the potential for a drawdown of federal resources, hinges on continued cooperation and a reduction in hostile rhetoric. The core message was a return to targeted enforcement, prioritizing the removal of criminal aliens, and ensuring the safety of both the community and the agents tasked with upholding the law.