Trump Sends Border Czar Homan to Minnesota Amid Shooting Fallout

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is sending his border czar, Tom Homan, to Minneapolis this week. Homan will oversee federal immigration operations in the city, which has turned into a flashpoint over the administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. The trip follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent on Saturday, and it comes as protests grow and local leaders push for fewer federal agents in the state.

Background

Minnesota has become a center of tension over immigration enforcement under President Trump. Federal agents have ramped up operations in Minneapolis and surrounding areas as part of a larger push to deport people living in the country without legal status. This effort has led to arrests, but also to two deadly shootings by Border Patrol agents in recent weeks.

The first incident happened weeks ago when agents shot and killed a Minneapolis resident inside her car. Then, on January 24, Alex Pretti was killed in another encounter with federal agents. Videos and eyewitness reports from the Pretti shooting have challenged the administration's account of what took place. Protests have filled the streets of Minneapolis since then, with people calling for accountability and changes to how agents operate.

These events have drawn fire from both Republicans and Democrats. Lawmakers from both parties now want an independent probe into the tactics used by federal agents. Gun rights groups have also spoken out against claims made by local Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino about Pretti's intentions. Bovino said Pretti planned to attack law enforcement, but critics say there is no proof for that.

Trump's decision to send Homan fits into a series of recent talks between White House officials, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. On Monday, Walz and Frey each spoke by phone with Trump. Frey said afterward that some federal agents would start leaving the city on Tuesday. The governor and president discussed pulling back the number of agents overall in Minnesota.

Tom Homan brings a long history in immigration enforcement. He started at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, in a top role back in 2013 under President Barack Obama. He later led enforcement and removal operations. During Trump's first term, Homan ran ICE for a time. He has pushed for strong deportation efforts, focusing first on people seen as threats to public safety or national security.

In past interviews, Homan has talked about running large-scale deportations. He has said these would target serious criminals before others. He has also backed checks at workplaces to find people working without legal papers, something the prior administration cut back on. Homan has rejected ideas of raids in neighborhoods or setting up big holding camps as overblown.

Key Details

Homan steps in to replace Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol commander whose approach has faced heavy criticism. Bovino's comments on the Pretti shooting drew bipartisan backlash for lacking backing evidence. Some see Homan as a calmer figure who might ease the friction. He will serve as the main contact on the ground and report straight to President Trump.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the move does not mean the administration is unhappy with past work in Minnesota. She called Homan well-placed to keep talks going with state and city leaders.

"Tom Homan’s arrival in Minnesota is an opportunity for a reset through the collaboration that President Trump has been pushing for between the federal government and state/local law enforcement." – Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth

Republicans in Minnesota have welcomed the change. U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer posted that Homan would help end the chaos. GOP operative Preya Samsundar, who once worked for the Republican National Committee, said Homan shows more sensitivity than others involved.

"I think that’s why the fact that … he’s being sent out here today and he is being told to directly report to Trump is a sign that they’re taking the shift seriously." – Preya Samsundar

Homan's Past Roles and Controversies

Homan's career includes tough moments. Last year, he faced questions over a plan to send Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador. He also pushed for more money for border security. Reports surfaced about him taking $50,000 from undercover agents in an FBI operation, but a bribery probe ended without charges. Homan denied wrongdoing.

Trump has praised Homan as tough but fair. In a Truth Social post, the president said Homan knows and likes people in Minnesota. Homan's style differs from some in the administration who favor broader enforcement. He wants to focus on criminals and security risks first.

The shootings involved Border Patrol, not ICE agents directly under Homan. Still, his role covers all border and interior enforcement. Some reports note tensions between Homan and other officials over how to run operations.

What This Means

Homan's arrival points to a possible change in how the Trump administration handles Minnesota. Pulling some agents out could calm protests and local anger. It might signal a narrower focus on high-risk targets rather than wide sweeps that have upset communities.

Talks between Trump, Walz, and Frey show room for working together. Fewer agents could mean less daily friction on Minneapolis streets. But Homan's track record suggests deportations will continue, just with more care in execution.

Calls for an independent investigation into the shootings keep growing. Bipartisan support for that could lead to reviews of training and rules for agents. Minnesota leaders want a say in federal actions, and Homan's direct line to Trump might help bridge gaps.

Protests may ease if agents leave and Homan tones down the approach. Yet the bigger immigration crackdown nationwide rolls on. Minnesota's issues highlight challenges in places where local views clash with federal goals. Homan's time there will test if collaboration can cut through the divide.

Law enforcement at state and city levels may take on more coordination roles. Republicans like Demuth and Emmer see this as a path to stability. Democrats like Walz and Frey push for pullbacks to protect residents. The balance will shape operations in the weeks ahead.

Trump's choice of Homan shows reliance on experienced hands amid backlash. His background under both parties adds weight to claims of fairness. As agents depart and Homan settles in, eyes stay on Minneapolis for signs of de-escalation or fresh conflicts.