White House Border Czar Announces Reduction of Federal Officers in Minneapolis
The White House border czar, Tom Homan, announced the immediate withdrawal of 700 law enforcement officers from Minneapolis, reducing the federal government's immigration crackdown in the area. This decision followed the deployment of thousands of federal officers and agents to Minnesota, making it the largest operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Approximately 2,000 officers and agents will remain in the state, according to Homan.
Homan highlighted the progress made by federal officials in Minnesota through collaboration with state and local authorities. He mentioned that an unprecedented number of counties were cooperating with ICE, allowing for a safer environment for immigration officers to conduct arrests. This cooperation has led to a reduction in the number of officers in the region, emphasizing smart law enforcement practices.
While state and local officials welcomed the drawdown of officers, they expressed the need for a more significant reduction. Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis stated that the reduction was a step in the right direction but emphasized that 2,000 federal officers in the region still constituted a significant presence. Governor Tim Walz echoed similar sentiments, calling for a faster and larger drawdown of forces.
President Donald Trump assigned Homan to oversee the enforcement operation in Minnesota following the fatal shootings of two protesters by federal immigration officers. The incidents raised tensions in the region, prompting calls for de-escalation and state-led investigations into the killings. Homan reiterated that enforcement operations would target criminals posing public safety threats but emphasized that immigrants residing in the country illegally would not be exempt.
The administration also announced the reorganization of law enforcement officers on the ground, with CBP and ICE agents now under a unified chain of command. Homan did not provide a specific timeline for the full drawdown of the operation, citing the need for continued cooperation from local and state officials. He emphasized the importance of ending hateful rhetoric and violence directed at immigration officers.
In response to concerns raised during the crackdown, the Department of Homeland Security decided to equip every officer in Minneapolis with body-worn cameras to ensure transparency and accountability. This decision was supported by President Trump, with plans to expand the body camera program nationwide as funding becomes available.
The Trump administration's enforcement actions in the region have sparked clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers, resulting in arrests and confrontations. The drawdown of officers in Minneapolis marks a shift in the administration's approach to immigration enforcement, focusing on targeted operations while addressing concerns raised by state and local officials.