Tom Homan praises Tim Walz, Jacob Frey for bipartisan progress in Minnesota’s immigration crackdown

Tom Homan told Jake Tapper he met Democratic leaders to solve problems and secured unexpected agreements in Minnesota with Governor Tim Walz
PUBLISHED FEB 16, 2026
White House border czar Tom Homan praised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for advancing illegal immigration enforcement efforts (Getty Images)
White House border czar Tom Homan praised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for advancing illegal immigration enforcement efforts (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: White House border czar Tom Homan on Sunday, February 15, praised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for helping him fight illegal immigration.

Homan explained that working together with the Democratic leaders has led to progress that many people did not think was possible.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Homan, White House
Tom Homan, White House 'Border Czar' speaks at a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on February 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (John Moore/Getty Images)

Tom Homan, Tim Walz reach Immigration Cooperation Agreement

Speaking on CNN’s 'State of the Union,' Homan explained that he chose to meet with the Democratic leaders because he believes you have to talk to people you disagree with to solve problems.

He told Jake Tapper, “You can’t fix problems talking in an echo chamber; you got to talk to the people that you may disagree with.”

Homan admitted he was surprised by the progress they made together, saying, “I’ve gotten agreements in Minnesota I never thought we’d be able to get. And I got to give credit to the governor, we had a good conversation.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz responds to questions from reporters regarding whether he will seek a third term during a press conference following an event on the state's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Minneapolis. (Kerem Yücel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)
Minnesota Gov Tim Walz responds to questions from reporters regarding whether he will seek a third term during a press conference following an event on the state's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program, Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026, in Minneapolis (Kerem Yucel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)

Tom Homan credits Frey for illegal roadblock removal

Homan explained that because Governor Tim Walz cooperated, state prisons are now helping federal immigration officers by sharing information about non-citizen prisoners. He also gave credit to Mayor Jacob Frey for helping keep the streets safe during a tense time.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 09: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (C) speaks during a press conference at City Hall on January 09, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Frey and local city officials are calling on federal investigators to turn over information to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension after the shooting death of Renee Good by a federal officer this week. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks during a press conference at City Hall on January 09, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Homan remarked, “And Mayor Frey and me will never agree on much, but you know what? His officers did respond to take down illegal roadblocks that made it unsafe for not only the citizens of Minnesota, but our officers.”

While other officials slammed the Minnesota leaders for causing trouble, Homan said having different styles is actually a good thing.

He explained, “Do me and secretary Noem agree on everything? No, We have discussions and we have different opinions. That’s what makes it a strong team. We bring different ideas to the table.”

Tom Homan ends federal surge, keeps fraud probe active

Earlier, on Thursday, because of this new teamwork, Homan announced that the heavy federal presence in the city is ending. He explained that the coordination between federal and local teams had reached a point where thousands of extra agents were no longer needed.

 Confirming the end of the mission, Homan stated, “I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude.” He believes that being able to send these agents home is a sign that the administration’s plan worked.

However, while the massive surge is over, Homan clarified that federal work is not finished. He noted that while many agents are leaving, “Special agents will remain in Minnesota to investigate benefit fraud and document fraud,” ensuring that investigators continue to look into those who may have cheated the system.

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