SNL Parodies ICE Border Czar in Minneapolis Cold Open
Pete Davidson portrayed Tom Homan in a Jan. 31 cold open satirizing ICE’s role in Minneapolis amid recent shootings and arrests.
Overview
Pete Davidson portrayed White House border czar Tom Homan in the Jan. 31 cold open of Saturday Night Live, satirizing an ongoing ICE operation in Minneapolis, according to the broadcast.
The sketch referenced the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good and another killing that sparked scrutiny after bystander videos contradicted initial accounts, records show.
Officials confirmed ICE commander Greg Bovino was removed from his post amid allegations he publicly lied about the shootings and was filmed in controversial conduct, though Bovino’s defenders dispute some claims.
The Minneapolis operation has resulted in arrests including coverage-related detentions on Jan. 29 and has prompted calls from Republican lawmakers for congressional hearings, officials and activists said.
SNL’s parody signals continuing public and political scrutiny as Minneapolis leaders plan to press federal officials in Washington, with potential congressional inquiries expected in coming weeks.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources use critical, evaluative language (e.g., "skewering", "paramilitary-like", "poorly trained") and prioritize context linking the sketch to ICE controversies (Homan’s past allegations, journalist arrests, Minneapolis shootings). They foreground SNL lines and select background details to portray federal agents and the administration as aggressive, unaccountable, and defensive.
Sources (7)
FAQ
Renée Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old American woman, was fatally shot on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis by ICE agent Jonathan Ross while in her SUV; she sustained four gunshot wounds and died at Hennepin County Medical Center.[1]
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Good attacked ICE agents and attempted to run them over with her vehicle, describing it as an act of domestic terrorism; this was disputed by video evidence and local officials like Gov. Tim Walz.
In the January 31, 2026, SNL cold open, Pete Davidson portrayed White House border czar Tom Homan, satirizing ICE's operation in Minneapolis amid the shootings and arrests.[story]
Greg Bovino was removed from his post amid allegations of publicly lying about the shootings and controversial conduct captured on film, though his defenders dispute some claims.[story]
The operation has led to arrests, including coverage-related detentions on January 29, prompting Republican calls for congressional hearings and plans by Minneapolis leaders to press federal officials.[story]
History
4 sources