Homan touts over 4,000 arrests in Minneapolis, signals zero tolerance for 'more bloodshed'

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: White House border czar Tom Homan said on Thursday, February 12, more than 4,000 arrests were made during a months-long immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis, as he announced that the operation was coming to an end.

Speaking at a news conference, Homan emphasized that federal authorities would continue enforcing immigration laws nationwide.

The crackdown, known as 'Operation Metro Surge', drew protests and heightened tensions between federal agents and demonstrators. Homan said that efforts had been made to “de-escalate” the situation while maintaining strict enforcement standards.

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Homan said that federal authorities had arrested over 4,000 individuals in Minneapolis since the launch of 'Operation Metro Surge', though he did not provide a detailed breakdown of how many were considered specific security threats.

“I don’t have that exact breakdown. I know we’ve made over 4,000 arrests here. That is something the local field office can supply,” Homan said. 

“I can tell you, since I’ve been on the ground, they’ve been targeted enforcement arrests. I believe they were targeted enforcement arrests before I got here,” he added. 

Homan acknowledged that there had been “issues” during the operation but said those concerns were addressed.

“There were some issues here, and we addressed those issues, but I’m not gonna sit here and say anybody did anything wrong and that, you know, they were, you know, unprofessional,” Homan added.

“I’m going to say there are some issues here. We fixed those issues. We’ve had great success with this operation, and we’re leaving Minnesota safer,” he stated.

While describing efforts to reduce tensions between law enforcement and protesters, Homan reiterated that interference with federal agents would not be tolerated.

More than 200 people have been arrested on suspicion of violating USC § 111, a federal statute prohibiting individuals from “forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering” with federal officers during official duties.

“Forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating or interfering with a federal law enforcement officer is a crime,” Homan emphasized. “It will not be tolerated, zero tolerance if you cross that line and put hands on an ICE officer.”

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Homan said that such actions had resulted in “tragic consequences,” stating, "This is not the way to express your disagreement or try to reform federal laws."

"Go talk to your members of Congress if you want the laws changed in this country,” he continued. “Enough is enough with this misguided, reckless and shameful behavior. We don’t want to see any more bloodshed. I don’t want to see any more bloodshed.”

Homan also reaffirmed that broader immigration enforcement efforts would continue beyond Minnesota.

“That’s what American people voted for,” Homan said. “But we’re prioritizing those who are the biggest threat to our community,” he said.

“President Trump made a promise of mass deportation, and that’s what this country is going to get,” Homan added.

“Nothing changed, other than we make sure they’re targeted and make sure we know who we’re going for, what their immigration record was, their criminal history,” he concluded.