Tom Homan Appointed to Oversee ICE Operations in Minnesota Amidst Heightened Scrutiny
Tom Homan, a former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and White House border czar, has been appointed by President Donald Trump to manage ICE's on-the-ground operations in Minnesota. His deployment follows the deaths of two U.S. citizens during altercations with federal agents in Minneapolis and occurs amid increased scrutiny of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) activities and leadership in the region.
Appointment and Mandate
President Trump announced Homan's appointment via social media, stating Homan would report directly to him. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added that Homan would also coordinate with officials investigating fraud schemes in Minnesota.
President Trump announced Homan's appointment via social media, stating Homan would report directly to him.
According to Trump's post, Homan had not previously been involved in Minnesota, a state where thousands of federal agents had recently been deployed. President Trump described Homan as "tough but fair."
Recent Incidents and Public Response
Homan's appointment occurs in the wake of two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis within less than a month.
Alex Pretti Shooting (January 24)Pretti died during an encounter with federal agents. Multiple videos indicated he did not possess a firearm and was disarmed before shots were fired. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem initially stated Pretti brandished a weapon and wished to inflict harm, claiming officers were "attacked." She later revised her comments, stating DHS was relying on information from "what we knew to be true on the ground."
Renee Good Shooting (January 7)Good was shot by an ICE agent. The FBI is investigating the incident. DHS reported that Good was allegedly attempting to run over law enforcement officers, a claim disputed by local leaders and Good's family.
These events have led to public protests and criticism directed at ICE. There has also been increasing criticism of Secretary Noem and other administration officials regarding their leadership and public statements in Minneapolis. Reports indicated that some senior immigration enforcement officials expressed unease with certain claims made by DHS following the recent shootings.
Homan's Actions and Statements in Minnesota
Upon his arrival, Homan reported "productive" discussions with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. He publicly criticized "sanctuary city" policies and urged local leaders to assist with federal immigration law enforcement.
He publicly criticized "sanctuary city" policies and urged local leaders to assist with federal immigration law enforcement.
Homan subsequently announced a reduction in the number of federal agents deployed in Minneapolis. Concurrently, Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino was directed to return to California. President Trump praised Homan's performance, calling it a "FANTASTIC JOB."
Background and Past Scrutiny
Homan, 64, has a career in law enforcement spanning decades, beginning as a police officer in New York before joining the Border Patrol in California in 1984. During the Obama administration, he led ICE's deportation efforts. As acting director of ICE during former President Trump's first term, Homan advocated for policies including the separation of children and families at the border and opposition to "sanctuary city" policies, which limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration efforts. In September 2017, he stated ICE would arrest undocumented individuals who came forward to care for children, a practice previous administrations had avoided.
Homan has also faced scrutiny concerning a past investigation. In 2024, The New York Times reported that Homan was recorded by undercover FBI agents allegedly accepting a bag containing $50,000 in cash. A person familiar with the operation informed CNN that Homan accepted the cash as part of a sting operation and was under investigation for potential bribery and other crimes related to helping undercover agents secure government contracts.
Homan has denied the allegations, stating he did not "take $50,000 from anybody."
The Department of Justice closed the investigation after Trump began his second term, citing doubts about proving Homan agreed to a specific act for the cash and noting he was not in a government position at the time. The White House characterized the investigation into Homan as "blatantly political."
Administration's Defense
President Trump publicly defended Secretary Noem, stating she had done a "great job" and that she was being targeted. Despite President Trump's praise for both officials, Axios previously reported a tense working relationship between Noem and Homan.