White House border czar Tom Homan announced Wednesday that 700 federal immigration agents would leave Minneapolis after a month-long enforcement surge that has shaken the city and left two people dead.
Homan said at a press conference in the city that the drawdown was made possible by “unprecedented” cooperation between federal and local officials.
Rationale Behind the Pullback
He added that the departing agents would be drawn from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), but that “around 2,000” federal law enforcement officers would remain in the area.
“This is smart law enforcement, not less law enforcement,” he said.
Cooperation and Reorganization
A complete pullback of federal agents would depend on Minnesota’s “cooperation” with federal law enforcement, Homan said.
For the first time, Homan acknowledged the public mounting criticism over the death of Alex Pretti and Renee Good—U.S. citizens who were killed by federal agents as they observed enforcement operations— and addressed the misconduct of federal officials on the ground.
“American people seek and deserve professional and trustworthy, and I and the president expect any misconduct would not be tolerated and swiftly addressed,” Homan said.
Next Steps and Implications
Over the past month, at least 158 people have been arrested for obstructing immigration enforcement activities, according to Homan.
He also said that although everyone has a constitutional right to protest, federal officers should be allowed to do their jobs without harassment or obstruction.
What remains unclear is whether this pullback will alleviate tensions between the community and federal agents.
What should readers watch next is how this drawdown will impact immigration enforcement operations nationwide and whether it will lead to further protests and clashes with federal agents.
Homan has consolidated the chains of command between ICE and CBP in the Twin Cities area. He said that officials from legal and internal departments of the law enforcement agencies will also be on the ground to ensure compliance with the law.
The Bottom Line
- Tom Homan's announcement of 700 immigration agents leaving Minneapolis follows a month-long enforcement surge that has left two people dead.
- The drawdown is reportedly due to unprecedented cooperation between federal and local officials.
- What remains unclear is whether this pullback will alleviate tensions between the community and federal agents.
**Fact Check & Fast Data:**
Primary Entity: Tom Homan
Key Development: 700 immigration agents leaving Minneapolis after month-long enforcement surge
Impact Zone: Politics
