In brief
Tom Homan, the border czar under President Trump, announced that the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota will only be reduced following collaboration from state officials. Homan reiterated a 'zero tolerance' stance towards protests impeding law enforcement, following a recent fatality involving a protester. He emphasized the importance of local jails notifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about individuals eligible for removal, arguing this would enhance safety for officers and streamline operations against immigrants who pose public safety threats.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar, emphasized on Thursday that any reduction in immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota will only happen with cooperation from state officials, declaring that he has a 'zero tolerance' policy for protesters harassing his officers or interfering with their work.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the shooting of a protester by a federal immigration officer last Saturday, Homan reiterated the necessity for local jails to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about individuals in custody whom they can remove from the country. He stated, 'Give us access to illegal aliens, public safety threats in the safety and security of a jail.'
Homan acknowledged challenges in immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota but made clear that the administration is not backing down on its mission. He indicated a renewed focus on 'targeted operations' aimed at apprehending immigrants who have committed crimes, prioritizing public safety threats.
Homan described protesters obstructing law enforcement as 'agitators' and reinforced his commitment to staying in Minnesota as long as necessary to address these issues, noting, 'I’m staying until the problem’s gone.' He has been engaging with elected officials and law enforcement leaders within the city and state to find common ground, suggesting some progress has been made.
