Tom Homan Critiques Anti-ICE Protesters in Minneapolis

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, expressed strong disapproval on Wednesday regarding anti-ICE protesters who had set up barricades and checkpoints in Minneapolis. He referred to their actions as a “joke,” suggesting they were ultimately harming the very communities they claimed to be helping.

At a news conference in Minnesota, Homan revealed that local police had begun dismantling the checkpoints. He mentioned, “When I learned about the barricades, I called the police chief; shortly after our conversation, he took action to disperse the department for enforcement.” Homan emphasized, “This is illegal. You can’t do that. My message to those involved is: what are you trying to accomplish? Do you really think you’re preventing ICE and CBP from doing their jobs? The only impact you’re having is on your own neighbors who need to handle their daily tasks like grocery shopping or going to work. You’re simply obstructing them, so just stop it.”

Account of Minneapolis Mission

Following his statement, Homan indicated a reduction in federal personnel in the Twin Cities, announcing that 700 federal employees would be withdrawn. He noted his discussions with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, which focused on improving communication between local jails and federal authorities regarding the release of detained undocumented immigrants.

“We’ve never seen this level of cooperation before,” Homan remarked. “It’s efficient because now, instead of sending multiple officers into an area to apprehend a public safety threat, it only takes one or two to detain an alien criminal target.”

Comments from Local Officials

In light of recent collaborations and the reduced need for extensive law enforcement presence, he stated, “We are immediately announcing a reduction of 700 people starting today.” Homan also clarified that federal authorities do not mandate prisons to keep undocumented immigrants beyond their typical release periods, saying, “We’re not asking anyone to act as an immigration judge.”

Governor Walz showed support for the reduction shortly after it was announced, though he highlighted that further measures are necessary. “Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but we need faster and larger troop reductions, a state-led investigation into the murders of Alex Preti and Renee Good, and an end to this campaign of retaliation,” he commented on X.