Meeting on Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota
On Tuesday, Border Czar Tom Homan met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. This gathering comes as the Trump administration intensifies federal immigration actions following two fatal shootings and subsequent protests in the Twin Cities.
This meeting occurred shortly after 37-year-old Alex Preti was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis. Notably, President Trump appointed Homan to lead operations in Minnesota, replacing Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino just the day before.
“Today, I had a discussion with Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and leading law enforcement officials about the challenges we face in Minnesota,” Homan shared in a post on X. “We all recognize the need to support our police and to remove criminals from our neighborhoods. While we don’t see eye to eye on every detail, these discussions mark a constructive beginning, and I’m eager to continue talking with important stakeholders soon.”
Homan pointed out that President Trump stressed the importance of making American cities “safe and secure for law-abiding residents.”
After the meeting, Walz insisted on an “impartial investigation” into the recent shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis. He also advocated for a “quick and significant reduction of federal forces in Minnesota” and an end to retaliatory actions against the state.
Walz’s office noted, “The Governor and Mr. Homan agree on the necessity for ongoing dialogue, which the President endorsed, and we’ll work towards these objectives.” The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has been designated to be Homan’s main contact to discuss his priorities.
Meanwhile, Frey mentioned that he and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara found their discussion with Homan to be “productive.”
Frey later expressed, “My primary request remains to halt Operation Metro Surge as quickly as possible. Policy effectiveness relies on community trust, rather than tactics that engender fear and division. I conveyed the significant negative effects this operation has had on Minneapolis and nearby communities, as well as the pressure it’s put on our local police.”
He was clear that “Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws. Our focus remains on ensuring safety in our neighborhoods.” Frey added that city leaders aim to keep communicating with Homan and his team.
Following Bovino’s departure, White House representatives told Fox News Digital that claims of the administration being “backward” in Minnesota are unfounded.
President Trump stated during a recent Fox News appearance that the changes aren’t a “reactionary response.” He reflected, “I don’t view this as a setback; it’s just a small adjustment. Bovino is talented, but he can be quite eccentric. That’s beneficial in some scenarios, but maybe not in this situation.”
The President mentioned he spoke with Walz after Preti’s death, finding the governor to be “very respectful” and willing to deport “any criminals we have.” Trump also connected with Frey, who clarified that Minneapolis will cooperate with state and federal law enforcement for genuine criminal inquiries, but won’t engage in what he calls unconstitutional arrests or enforce federal immigration laws.
