US border tsar Tom Homan's Minneapolis news conference | Watch in full

Key Concepts

• Targeted Enforcement Operations: Focusing ICE and CBP efforts on individuals posing public safety, national security, or both threats.
• ICE Detainers: Requests made to state and local law enforcement agencies to hold individuals suspected of immigration violations.
• Sanctuary Jurisdictions: Cities and states with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
• Operational Metro Surge: A deployment of federal law enforcement resources to a specific area to address immigration-related concerns.
• Cooperation Agreements: Agreements between federal authorities and state/local officials regarding the transfer of arrested individuals to ICE custody.
• Drawdown Plan: A strategy to reduce the number of federal agents deployed in an area based on increased cooperation and improved safety.

Deployment to Minnesota: Addressing Public Safety and Immigration Concerns

This transcript details a press briefing by Tom Homan, acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), regarding a recent deployment of federal resources to Minnesota. The deployment, initiated at the request of President Trump, aims to address concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement within the state. Homan emphasizes a shift towards targeted enforcement, prioritizing the removal of individuals deemed public safety and national security threats.

Initial Situation and Deployment

Homan arrived in Minnesota on Monday and has been in meetings with Governor Waltz, Attorney General Ellison, Mayor Fry, and various law enforcement officials. He states the deployment was prompted by the situation created during the previous administration, where over 10 million individuals entered the country illegally, including 2 million “known gotaways” – those who paid to evade detection. He highlights the urgency of addressing these security concerns, stating, “Why did they pay more to get away? That should scare the hell out of everybody.” Approximately 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents are currently operating in the state, with rotations occurring due to the prolonged deployment (some agents have been in the area for eight months).

Agreements with State and Local Officials

A central theme of Homan’s briefing is securing cooperation from Minnesota state and local officials. While acknowledging disagreements on broader immigration policy, he reports reaching agreements on key areas:

• No Release of Public Safety Arrests: State and local authorities will not release individuals arrested for public safety offenses back into the community if they can be lawfully transferred to ICE custody.
• Honoring ICE Detainers: The Minnesota State Prison System, under the Department of Corrections, is already honoring ICE detainers, a practice Homan intends to expand.
• Notification of Release Dates: Attorney General Ellison has clarified that county jails may notify ICE of the release dates of criminal public safety risks, allowing ICE to take custody upon release.

Homan stresses that he is not asking state and local officials to act as immigration officers, but rather to cooperate with federal authorities in removing criminal aliens from the streets. He argues that arresting individuals in jail is significantly safer for law enforcement and the public than conducting street arrests, which require larger teams and increased security due to potential threats and hostile rhetoric. He estimates that cooperation could lead to a “drawdown” of federal agents, reducing the visible presence of law enforcement in the community.

Addressing Concerns and Criticisms

Homan directly addresses several criticisms and concerns:

• Sanctuary Cities: He reiterates the administration’s stance that jurisdictions refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities are “sanctuaries for criminals.”
• Victim/Witness Protection: He dismisses arguments that cooperating with ICE will deter victims and witnesses of crimes from reporting to law enforcement, stating that ICE is only interested in individuals already in custody. He calls this argument “a bunch of crap,” asserting that victims and witnesses also want criminals removed from their neighborhoods.
• Surrendering the Mission: Homan emphatically denies that the administration is surrendering its commitment to immigration enforcement, stating that prioritization of criminal aliens does not mean neglecting other immigration violations.
• Agent Safety: He acknowledges the dangers faced by ICE and Border Patrol agents, citing instances of assaults and threats, and emphasizes the need for increased security during operations. He recounts harrowing experiences agents have faced, including encounters with cartels and rescues of individuals in dangerous situations.

Operational Changes and Future Plans

Homan outlines a shift towards more targeted enforcement operations, mirroring practices used for decades. These operations will focus on individuals with known criminal and immigration histories, utilizing databases and intelligence to identify and apprehend specific targets. He emphasizes that this approach is safer and more efficient. He also states that he is working with CBP and ICE staff on a drawdown plan, contingent on the level of cooperation received and the number of remaining targets.

Data and Statistics

• 10+ million: Estimated number of illegal aliens who entered the nation during the previous administration.
• 2 million: Number of “known gotaways” who paid to evade detection.
• 4,000+: Number of aliens who died attempting to cross the border during the previous administration.
• 96%: Reduction in people attempting to cross the border under the Trump administration, correlating with decreased instances of sex trafficking and fentanyl-related deaths.

Notable Quotes

• “Why did they pay more to get away? That should scare the hell out of everybody.” – Tom Homan, emphasizing the potential security risks posed by individuals evading detection.
• “Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals and endangers the residents of the community.” – Tom Homan, reiterating the administration’s stance on sanctuary policies.
• “If you're in the country illegally, you're never off the table.” – Tom Homan, clarifying that all individuals in the country illegally remain subject to enforcement.
• “I don't want to see anybody die. Even the people we're looking for, I don't want to see anybody die.” – Tom Homan, expressing a personal commitment to safety for all involved.

Synthesis and Conclusion

Tom Homan’s briefing underscores the administration’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and national security through targeted immigration enforcement. The deployment to Minnesota represents a strategic effort to secure cooperation from state and local officials, streamline operations, and reduce risks to both law enforcement and the community. The success of this operation hinges on continued dialogue and the implementation of agreements that allow for the safe and efficient removal of criminal aliens. Homan’s message is clear: while acknowledging the complexities of immigration policy, the administration will continue to enforce existing laws and prioritize the safety and security of American citizens.