Border Czar Tom Homan announces withdrawal of 700 federal agents from Minnesota

President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced Feb. 4 that approximately 700 federal immigration officers will immediately leave Minnesota thanks to “unprecedented collaboration” from state and local officials that has reduced the need for large-scale street enforcement.

Speaking at a press conference, Homan said that because of the cooperation, federal agents can now take custody of criminal illegal immigrants directly from local jails, shifting enforcement away from neighborhood operations.

“We currently have an unprecedented number of counties communicating with us now and allowing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to take custody of illegal aliens before they hit the streets,” he said. “Unprecedented cooperation.” 

Homan added that the approach improves public safety and calls for fewer men, since jail-based transfers require only one or two officers, while community arrests involve “eight or ten officers.” 

“This is smart law enforcement,” Homan said. “It’s safer for the community, safer for the officers, and safer for the alien. This coordination also makes it far more safe for the Twin Cities.”

The drawdown comes after a series of meetings between Homan and Minnesota’s Democratic leadership, including Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

It also marks a de-escalation from a contentious federal enforcement surge that has sparked widespread protests and debates among lawmakers in recent weeks. As of January, roughly 3,000 federal agents were operating in Minnesota as part of “Operation Metro Surge,” according to Frey. 

Trump dispatched Homan to the state Jan. 26 to help ease tensions after federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis. It was the second deadly shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal forces that month. Minneapolis local Renee Good died after being shot by an officer Jan. 7. 

After the death of Pretti, some administration officials quickly defended the agents’ actions and portrayed Pretti as a dangerous aggressor. Homan’s presence signaled a more conciliatory approach. At a Jan. 29 press conference, Homan said enforcement efforts had not been “perfect” and that he and Trump “want this fixed.” 

On Feb. 2, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that all border enforcement agents operating in Minnesota would immediately be issued body cameras to increase transparency. 

Homan emphasized on Feb. 4 that the reduced federal presence does not signal a retreat from immigration enforcement but rather a strategic pivot to ensure all individuals’ safety.

“If you are in the country illegally, you are not off the table,” Homan said. “Let me be clear: President Trump fully intends to achieve mass deportations during this administration, and immigration enforcement actions will continue every day throughout this country.”

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