Border Czar Tom Homan vows to remain in Minnesota ‘until the problem’s gone’

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: White House border czar Tom Homan made clear on Thursday, January 29, that his deployment to Minnesota will not be brief, declaring that he intends to remain in the state “till the problem’s gone.”

Homan, who was sent to Minnesota at President Donald Trump’s direction, addressed reporters during a press conference in Minneapolis amid heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement operations and growing criticism of recent tactics.

Tom Homan signals extended federal presence

Homan confirmed that he came to Minnesota at Trump’s request, stepping in to oversee enforcement efforts following criticism of Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino, whose leadership had drawn scrutiny after a series of controversial operations.

“I didn’t come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines,” Homan told reporters. “I came here to seek solutions.”

He said his focus has been on stabilizing operations, restoring coordination with state and local officials and addressing safety concerns for both residents and federal agents.

Homan said he has held discussions with Minnesota Gov Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

According to Homan, those conversations led to agreement on at least one core principle.

“One thing we all agreed on is that community safety is paramount,” he said.

He added that while disagreements remain over the role of local officials in immigration enforcement, there is shared interest in reducing chaos and preventing further violence.

Homan also confirmed Minnesota county jails will now notify ICE when illegal aliens are being released, so they can be transferred to ICE agents.

Homan says drawdown plan ordered amid criticism

During the press conference, Homan announced that he has instructed federal agencies to begin working on a “drawdown plan” that would reduce the number of agents conducting street-level immigration operations in Minnesota.

Instead, he said enforcement would shift toward jails and prisons, allowing federal authorities to focus on individuals already in custody rather than conducting large-scale public operations.

“More agents in the jail means less agents in the street,” Homan said. “That’s common-sense cooperation.”

“Yes, I said it,” he added. “Draw down the number of people here.”

Homan indicated that the drawdown would depend on continued cooperation and a reduction in interference with law enforcement activities.

While signaling tactical changes, Homan made clear that the Trump administration’s enforcement priorities remain firmly in place.

“All operations will be targeted,” he said, emphasizing a focus on undocumented immigrants who pose public safety or national security threats.

At the same time, Homan reiterated that anyone in the country illegally remains subject to enforcement.

“If you’re in the country illegally, you’re never off the table,” he said.

Federal agents' conduct and agent safety addressed

Homan also addressed concerns about federal agents’ conduct, stating that professionalism is mandatory and violations will be addressed.

“We have standards of conduct,” he said. “Anyone who doesn’t act professionally will be dealt with like in any other federal agency.”

However, he strongly defended immigration officers, describing them as public servants operating in an increasingly hostile environment.

“These men and women who wear that badge are American patriots,” Homan said. “They put themselves on the line every day.”

In a notable departure from earlier rhetoric by other administration officials, Homan acknowledged the public’s right to protest immigration enforcement.

“You have your First Amendment rights- I support that,” he said. “You have the right to protest. Just keep it peaceful.”

He warned that threats, assaults or interference with law enforcement would not be tolerated and said such actions have contributed to the need for an expanded federal presence.

'I don’t want anyone to die,' Homan says

Homan said both he and President Trump are concerned about the loss of life connected to recent operations in Minnesota.

“The president doesn’t want to see anybody die,” Homan said. “I don’t want to see anybody die either, even the people we’re looking for.”

“President Trump wants this fixed and I’m going to fix it, with your help,” Homan said.

He declined to comment on specific fatal shootings involving federal agents, citing ongoing investigations.

“As a career law enforcement officer, you let the investigation play out,” he said.

Homan also vowed to address the issue of ICE-hunting groups saying “they will face justice”.