LIVE: Trump's border czar Tom Homan holds news conference in Minneapolis

Summary of Press Briefing on Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota

Key Concepts:

• Targeted Enforcement Operations: Focusing on the arrest and removal of individuals posing public safety and 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 Public Safety: Focusing enforcement efforts on individuals with criminal records or posing a threat to public safety.

I. Situation Overview & Deployment Rationale

The briefing, led by Tom Homan (acting Director of ICE), Rodney Scott (Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection), and Marcos Charles (leading ICE operations), detailed the federal response to concerns regarding immigration and public safety in Minnesota. Homan arrived Monday evening following a direct request from President Trump. He emphasized that while the “problem’s gone,” significant progress had been made in the preceding three days. The core justification for the deployment stemmed from the previous administration’s policies, which allegedly allowed over 10 million illegal aliens to enter the country, including over two million “known gotaways” – individuals who intentionally evaded capture and paid more to do so. This situation is perceived as a significant national security and public safety risk.

II. Meetings with Local & State Officials & Areas of Agreement

Homan detailed extensive meetings with Governor Waltz, Attorney General Ellison, Mayor Fry, police chiefs, and sheriffs. While acknowledging disagreements on broader immigration policy, a key area of consensus emerged: community safety is paramount. All parties agreed on the legitimacy of ICE as a law enforcement agency with a duty to enforce federal immigration laws. A critical agreement was reached regarding the transfer of public safety arrests to ICE custody, preventing their release back into the community. The Minnesota State Prison System is already honoring ICE detainers, a practice the administration intends to expand. Homan specifically highlighted Attorney General Ellison’s clarification that county jails may notify ICE of release dates for criminal public safety risks.

III. Addressing Concerns Regarding Sanctuary Policies & Law Enforcement Cooperation

Homan strongly criticized “sanctuary cities,” characterizing them as endangering communities by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. He clarified that the request is not for state and local officials to act as immigration officers, but rather to cooperate with federal agents in removing criminal aliens from the streets. He emphasized the increased safety and efficiency of arresting individuals within the secure environment of a jail versus conducting street arrests, which require larger teams and increased security due to potential threats and hostile rhetoric directed at ICE officers. He stated, “jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities are sanctuaries for criminals.”

IV. Operational Adjustments & Drawdown Plans

A significant focus of the briefing was the potential for a drawdown of federal law enforcement resources. Homan explained that increased cooperation from local and state authorities, particularly regarding access to individuals held in jails, would allow for a reduction in the number of agents needed on the streets. He stated that a single agent can safely arrest an individual in jail, compared to the larger teams required for street arrests. CBP and ICE staff are currently developing a drawdown plan based on the level of cooperation received and the number of remaining targets.

V. Addressing Concerns about Border Patrol Operations & Tactics

Responding to questions about the deployment of Border Patrol agents into interior cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, Homan explained that this was a direct response to the overwhelming influx of migrants at the border during the previous administration. The surge in border crossings necessitated the redeployment of ICE agents to the border, requiring Border Patrol assistance with interior enforcement. He acknowledged the controversy surrounding the tactics employed, including stopping US citizens and asking for identification, but defended the need for increased security in light of the perceived threats. He also addressed the incident involving Alex Petty, stating that the investigation should be allowed to proceed without interference.

VI. Concerns Regarding Rhetoric & Officer Safety

Homan expressed deep concern about the hostile rhetoric and threats directed at ICE and CBP officers, which have necessitated increased security measures during arrest operations. He emphasized that these men and women are American patriots who put their lives on the line daily and deserve respect. He pleaded for a cessation of the rhetoric, stating that it has already led to bloodshed and is forcing the deployment of larger security teams, increasing stress on communities. He stated, “I begged for the last two months on TV for the rhetoric to stop. I said in March if the rhetoric didn't stop there's going to be bloodshed. And there has been.”

VII. Enforcement Priorities & Future Plans

Homan reiterated that enforcement efforts will be targeted, prioritizing individuals with criminal histories, posing public safety threats, or representing national security risks. He dismissed the notion that the administration is abandoning immigration enforcement, emphasizing that it is simply adopting a smarter, more efficient approach. He stressed that the current laws were enacted by Congress and signed by previous presidents, and that those who disagree with ICE’s actions should lobby Congress for change. He committed to continued dialogue with community and religious leaders to address concerns and build trust. He concluded by reaffirming President Trump’s commitment to securing the border and making America safe.

Notable Quotes:

• “Two million people who paid more to get away. Why? That should scare the hell out of everybody.” – Tom Homan
• “Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals and endangers the residents of the community.” – Tom Homan
• “If the message we send is you can enter this country illegally, it's a crime. Don't worry about it… that's why you've seen the rise in fatal overdose.” – Tom Homan
• “These men and women that carry that badge and gun are American patriots.” – Tom Homan

Data & Statistics:

• Over 10 million illegal aliens entered the US during the previous administration.
• Over 2 million “known gotaways” evaded capture.
• Over 4,000 aliens died attempting to cross the border during the previous administration.
• Approximately 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents are currently operating in Minnesota.
• 70% of Border Patrol agents were pulled off the border line during the previous administration.

Conclusion:

The briefing underscored the administration’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and national security through targeted immigration enforcement. The focus on cooperation with state and local authorities, particularly regarding access to incarcerated individuals, is central to the strategy. The potential for a drawdown of federal resources is contingent upon continued cooperation and a reduction in hostile rhetoric. The administration aims to balance enforcement efforts with a more efficient and safer approach, while simultaneously upholding existing federal immigration laws.