President Donald Trump is deploying border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota as immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities is shaken by violent clashes, botched arrests, and two fatal shootings involving anti-ICE protesters.
The move marks one of the most forceful federal interventions in the state in years, coming after weeks of protests that repeatedly interrupted ongoing immigration operations in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Trump announced the decision late Monday, saying Homan will take direct command of ICE activity in Minnesota. According to the president, the former ICE chief will bypass standard chains of command and answer only to him.
“I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He went on to tie the unrest in Minneapolis to a wide-ranging federal investigation into state-level welfare fraud.
“Separately, a major investigation is going on with respect to the massive 20 Billion Dollar, Plus, Welfare Fraud that has taken place in Minnesota, and is at least partially responsible for the violent organized protests going on in the streets,” he continued.
Trump also pointed to a separate inquiry targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar.
“Additionally, the DOJ and Congress are looking at ‘Congresswoman’ Illhan Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all,” he added.
Unrest Escalates as ICE Operations Face Growing Resistance
Homan’s deployment comes during a tense and chaotic period for Minnesota. Crowds have repeatedly disrupted federal attempts to detain criminal suspects, creating scenes that officials describe as volatile and unpredictable.
Two anti-ICE protesters, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, have been fatally shot by federal agents this month. Pretti’s killing over the weekend is now under renewed investigation, prompting further protests and intensifying scrutiny of federal law enforcement.
A widely circulated video showed officers deploying chemical irritants moments before Pretti was shot, fueling outrage among activists and drawing larger crowds to subsequent demonstrations.
White House Attempts to Reassert Control
Despite the escalating situation, the White House insists the administration remains fully aligned behind the decision to deploy Homan. When asked if the move suggested weakened confidence in existing ICE leadership in Minnesota, officials avoided giving a direct answer.
“Tom Homan will be managing ICE operations on the ground in Minnesota and coordinating with others on the ongoing fraud investigations,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
The administration maintains that federal operations are targeting criminal illegal immigrants, not peaceful protesters, and argues that organized agitators are deliberately obstructing lawful arrests.
Federal officials declined to say whether Trump has concerns about the leadership already overseeing enforcement efforts in the region.
Agent Permanently Injured as Crowd Derailed Arrest Operation
The chaos surrounding recent operations reached a breaking point last week when a crowd blocked an ICE team attempting to arrest a suspect in Minneapolis. Officials say the situation quickly unraveled, forcing agents to retreat.
One agent suffered a brutal injury in the scuffle after a demonstrator bit off part of his finger.
Authorities say the interference directly enabled the suspect to escape.
U.S. Border Patrol Commander at Large Greg Bovino condemned the incident during a Sunday press conference, placing blame squarely on political leaders and activists who encouraged resistance.
“This individual is still roaming the streets today,” Bovino said. “This individual walks the streets today because of those choices made by politicians and those, perhaps, weaker-minded constituents that chose to follow directions of those politicians. Sad state of affairs.”
His comments highlight the mounting frustration from federal officers who say they are increasingly unable to conduct routine enforcement without violent pushback.
Minnesota Braces for What Comes Next
With Homan now stepping into direct control, the state is preparing for intensified federal presence and the possibility of even sharper confrontations. Supporters of the deployment argue that decisive action is necessary to restore order. Critics warn it could escalate tensions even further.
Either way, the next phase of enforcement in Minneapolis and St. Paul is set to unfold under national scrutiny and a rapidly tightening political spotlight.
