Minneapolis is at a turning point as Border Czar Tom Homan steps in to address a volatile situation following the tragic deaths of two protesters at the hands of federal agents.
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, Homan held his first press conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after arriving late Monday at President Trump’s request to calm tensions. Two 37-year-old anti-ICE protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, were killed on January 7 and January 24, respectively, during confrontations with federal agents. Homan also announced an agreement with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to allow federal agents to take custody of unauthorized migrants from state prisons and county jails.
The issue has sparked intense debate over federal immigration enforcement and local cooperation in a city reeling from weeks of unrest. While Homan’s presence signals a push for order, his approach and the tragic backdrop of protester deaths have raised questions about balancing security with civil liberties.
Let’s be clear: the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti are heartbreaking, and any loss of life during enforcement operations demands scrutiny. But Homan’s focus on targeted operations prioritizing public safety threats—those with criminal records—seems a pragmatic way to reduce street-level chaos. His agreement with state leaders to access jails could indeed make arrests safer, as he claims, as New York Post reports.
Homan didn’t mince words about his intentions, saying, “I didn’t come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines.” That’s a not-so-subtle jab at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose high-profile appearances in ICE vests during raids in places like Phoenix and New York City have drawn attention. If Homan’s here for solutions over spectacle, that’s a refreshing shift.
The deal with Gov. Walz and AG Ellison is a step toward de-escalation, with Homan noting that state prisons already honor federal detainer requests, though county jails have been less consistent. He’s long pushed for access to local facilities as a condition for scaling back federal boots on the ground—currently about 3,000 personnel in Minneapolis. This cooperation could mean fewer public confrontations.
Still, legal limits remain, as Ellison reiterated that Minnesota law prohibits holding someone solely on an ICE detainer without other grounds. Homan didn’t challenge this, suggesting a workable—if uneasy—compromise. It’s a tightrope, but one that might ease tensions if both sides stick to the terms.
Homan’s recalibrated strategy emphasizes targeting unauthorized migrants with criminal histories, though he’s clear that others without records aren’t off the hook for removal. This focus on public safety risks over blanket enforcement aligns with his reported feud with Noem and Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, who favored broader sweeps. It looks like Homan’s narrower approach is gaining traction.
Speaking of drawdowns, Homan hinted at reducing federal resources in Minneapolis based on these new agreements. He added, “The drawdown could happen even more if the hateful rhetoric and impediments stop.” That’s a pointed warning to far-left groups and agitators who’ve clashed with agents during the weeks-long riots.
While supporting First Amendment rights, Homan drew a hard line against interference, promising zero tolerance for threats or assaults on ICE officers. It’s a fair stance—free speech doesn’t mean free rein to obstruct lawful operations. Consequences for organizers, as he pledged, should be expected if disruptions persist.
The unrest in Minneapolis isn’t just about immigration policy; it’s a flashpoint for deeper frustrations with federal overreach. Yet Homan’s willingness to meet with local leaders like Mayor Jacob Frey shows an openness to dialogue that’s been missing. If this cooperation holds, it could be a model for other cities.
Critics of federal enforcement often paint it as heavy-handed, but Homan admits operations haven’t been flawless and insists improvements are coming. That candor is rare in these polarized times, where admitting fault is often seen as weakness. It’s a small but significant nod to accountability.
The reported friction between Homan and Noem over strategy—targeted versus all-encompassing enforcement—underscores a broader debate within the administration. If Homan’s method of prioritizing dangerous individuals proves effective, it might quiet some of the progressive outcry over mass deportations. But only time will tell if this balance holds.
For now, Minneapolis remains a test case for whether federal and state entities can align on immigration enforcement without further tragedy. Homan’s presence, barely three days in, has already shifted the dynamic with promises of “massive changes.” That’s ambitious, but the city desperately needs stability over more headlines.
