White House border czar Tom Homan said Thursday that federal immigration enforcement agents in Minnesota could be reduced in number — but only if state and local officials cooperate more closely with federal authorities. Homan spoke at a news conference in Minneapolis as part of efforts to recalibrate immigration enforcement operations in the state, where federal agents have been conducting a major operation for weeks.
At the heart of his message was a clear condition: the federal government will begin a “drawdown” of agents only if officials at the state and local levels provide access and support that allow federal law enforcement to do their work more efficiently. Homan said cooperation would reduce the need for large numbers of officers on Minnesota’s streets.
Federal Strategy Shift Tied to Local Cooperation
Homan, who was sent to Minnesota by the White House, said the current focus is on developing a plan to reduce federal personnel in the state. He did not provide specific numbers on how many officers might be pulled back or a timeline for when reductions could begin.
He framed cooperation as the key factor that would allow federal agencies to reduce their presence. In his view, improved coordination with state officials — especially around handling individuals in jails and prisons — could let federal immigration agents work more efficiently and with fewer personnel on the ground.
“When we have these agreements, it takes less law enforcement agents to do the job,” Homan said, adding that placing federal officers inside correctional facilities to take custody of people eligible for immigration enforcement would reduce the need for agents to conduct arrests on public streets.
Homan described a shift toward “targeted strategic enforcement” that focuses on individuals federal authorities consider threats to public safety. He said this approach would help minimize broad sweeps and unnecessary foot patrols, which in turn could reduce the number of federal agents needed in Minnesota.
Meetings With Local Leaders
During his visit, Homan said he met with a number of state and local officials, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and county sheriffs. According to Homan, these discussions have centered on ways to improve communication and cooperation so that federal enforcement can proceed with fewer officers.
One specific point Homan highlighted was an understanding with local authorities that jails could notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when people in custody who may be subject to federal immigration action were about to be released. That kind of access, Homan said, could reduce the need for agents to conduct arrests later and help with the drawdown.
He said these conversations with Minnesota officials had been productive so far, and that reaching more agreements would accelerate federal drawdown plans. “My main focus now is drawdown, based upon the great conversations I’ve had with your state and local leaders,” Homan said.
Federal Enforcement Will Continue, With Conditions
Despite the planned drawdown, Homan emphasized that federal immigration enforcement will continue in Minnesota. He made clear that reducing federal presence does not mean ending operations, but rather carrying them out in a way that relies more on coordination with state authorities and focused missions.
He reiterated that federal officers would stay until what he described as the “problem” is resolved, and that he did not plan to leave Minnesota until that happens. Homan also said the mission in Minnesota would continue to prioritize the removal of individuals federal authorities consider threats to public safety.
Part of that ongoing work, Homan said, will involve fewer randomized patrols and more targeted actions. This, he argued, would allow federal officers to operate more effectively with fewer total personnel.
Acknowledging Operational Challenges
Homan acknowledged that federal immigration operations in Minnesota have not been perfect and that improvements are needed. Still, he stressed that the overall mission has not changed and that the federal government is not backing down from its enforcement objectives.
He also addressed the issue of protesters and public demonstrations, saying federal authorities would enforce laws against anyone who assaults or obstructs officers carrying out their duties. Homan characterized some interference as hindering the work of federal agents and said authorities have “zero tolerance” for illegal actions against law enforcement.
Local Officials Respond
State and local leaders have taken varied positions on Homan’s remarks and plans. Some officials have described the meetings as a step toward better communication, while others say they remain concerned about the scale and nature of federal immigration operations in Minnesota.
In discussing cooperation, Minnesota officials have emphasized that they are willing to uphold public safety and respect legal processes, including honoring existing detainer requests and ensuring that incarceration policies do not hinder law enforcement coordination. At the same time, some local leaders have reiterated their desire for a significant reduction in federal enforcement actions.
Officials have not agreed on all points, and discussions are ongoing. Nonetheless, both sides say they have made some progress in clarifying expectations and determining how state and federal authorities can work together more effectively.
Looking Ahead
Homan’s announcement represents a notable shift in tone from the beginning of the federal operation in Minnesota, signaling that cooperation could shape not only how enforcement continues but how many federal agents remain in the state. While he did not outline a specific timeline for reducing personnel, his remarks underscore that federal drawdowns are tied directly to local and state cooperation.
As talks continue, both federal and state officials say they will monitor how cooperation evolves and how it affects enforcement strategy in Minnesota.
This should’ve been the strategy from the get go. Cooperation, ya think?