Tom Homan Takes Command of Minnesota Immigration Operation
Homan sought a drawdown of thousands of federal agents while insisting arrests will continue after two fatal federal shootings.
Overview
Tom Homan arrived in Minneapolis on Monday and replaced Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, saying he has requested plans to draw down thousands of federal immigration agents, Homan said.
The move follows the shooting deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti and mounting public outrage after federal agents detained refugees, journalists and protesters, officials and activists said.
Gov. Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey and Attorney General Keith Ellison met with Homan but declined to grant jail access, and the Justice Department opened an investigation into Alex Pretti's death, officials confirmed.
State Department of Corrections records show about 270 noncitizen inmates of about 8,000, disputing DHS claims of 1,360 detainers, while the federal surge has involved roughly 3,000 agents and numerous street arrests, officials said.
Homan said any drawdown would depend on jail access for removable immigrants, the Justice Department is continuing its probe of Alex Pretti's death, and Congress was considering short-term DHS funding, officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a tactical, positive response by the Trump administration, using approving language (e.g., "trusted confidant," "defuse," "draw down"), elevating supportive lawmaker praise while relegating Democratic objections to brief mention. Editorial choices emphasize Homan's professionalism; quoted praise is source content that reinforces—but does not create—this upbeat narrative.
Sources (8)
FAQ
Tom Homan is the White House Border Czar who arrived in Minneapolis on January 29, 2026, to take command of the federal immigration operation, replacing Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino.
The shootings involved the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents, sparking public outrage; the Justice Department opened an investigation into Pretti's death, a nurse who did not have a firearm when encountered.
Homan requested plans to draw down thousands of federal agents while prioritizing arrests of criminal aliens, public safety threats, and national security threats; he emphasized jail cooperation for ICE detainers and targeted enforcement.
Gov. Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey, and Attorney General Keith Ellison met with Homan but declined jail access; Homan noted productive discussions and clarification on notifying ICE of releases for criminal risks.
State records show about 270 noncitizen inmates out of 8,000, disputing DHS claims of 1,360 detainers; over 1,300 criminal illegal aliens are reportedly in jails ICE couldn't access due to sanctuary policies.[3]
History
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