Tom Homan’s Minneapolis press conference marked a pivot in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement approach in Minnesota. While reaffirming the mission to restore law and order, Homan outlined a conditional drawdown of street operations in favor of jail-based enforcement. The move follows public outrage after two fatal shootings and signals a tactical adjustment amid political pressure, not a retreat from enforcement goals.
Border czar Tom Homan says ICE will reduce street agents in Minnesota—if locals cooperate—shifting enforcement to jails after deadly incidents sparked backlash. Targeted enforcement continues; no surrender, just a tactical reset. #ICE #BorderCzar #AmericaFirst pic.twitter.com/02DlkxNCfj
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) January 29, 2026
- Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s border czar, held a press conference in Minneapolis on Jan. 29, 2026—his first public update since taking command of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota.
- Homan replaced Gregory Bovino following backlash tied to “Operation Metro Surge,” which included two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens: Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
- He announced a conditional “drawdown plan” with Customs and Border Protection to reduce federal agents on the streets and shift enforcement to jails and prisons.
- The reduction depends on cooperation from state and local officials—timely jail notifications and reduced threats to agents.
- Homan acknowledged operational imperfections, emphasized public-safety priorities, and said enforcement will continue with more targeted, “common-sense” tactics.
- Meetings included Tim Walz and Jacob Frey; local leaders remain critical and plan advocacy in Washington.
