Trump Administration Pulls 700 Federal Agents from Minnesota Amid Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement.
The Trump administration has withdrawn 700 federal immigration agents from Minnesota, citing an "unprecedented collaboration" with local officials. Tom Homan, the President's border czar, announced the move at a news conference on Wednesday, stating that it would allow for increased cooperation to ensure alleged illegal immigrant criminals are not released into the community.
The decision comes amid growing tensions between federal agents and local leaders in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where protests have taken place after two US citizens were fatally shot by ICE and Border Patrol agents. Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey have called for ICE to leave the state, while the Trump administration has insisted that it is targeting only immigrants with criminal records.
Homan claimed that his team had made significant progress in working with local officials and law enforcement agencies, which would enable a reduction in federal agent presence. However, the move also drew criticism from some lawmakers and community leaders, who argued that it was too little, too late.
The Trump administration's goal is to carry out "targeted immigration enforcement operations," according to Homan. Operations will become more organized, reducing personnel footprint, and increase public safety and confidence in DHS presence in the area. The plan also includes full deployment of body-worn cameras nationwide, although this has been met with skepticism from some.
As part of the effort, Homan repeated his message that there is nothing to hide and that any wrongdoing by officers will not be tolerated. However, critics argue that this approach only serves to further erode trust between law enforcement and local communities.
The Trump administration has withdrawn 700 federal immigration agents from Minnesota, citing an "unprecedented collaboration" with local officials. Tom Homan, the President's border czar, announced the move at a news conference on Wednesday, stating that it would allow for increased cooperation to ensure alleged illegal immigrant criminals are not released into the community.
The decision comes amid growing tensions between federal agents and local leaders in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where protests have taken place after two US citizens were fatally shot by ICE and Border Patrol agents. Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey have called for ICE to leave the state, while the Trump administration has insisted that it is targeting only immigrants with criminal records.
Homan claimed that his team had made significant progress in working with local officials and law enforcement agencies, which would enable a reduction in federal agent presence. However, the move also drew criticism from some lawmakers and community leaders, who argued that it was too little, too late.
The Trump administration's goal is to carry out "targeted immigration enforcement operations," according to Homan. Operations will become more organized, reducing personnel footprint, and increase public safety and confidence in DHS presence in the area. The plan also includes full deployment of body-worn cameras nationwide, although this has been met with skepticism from some.
As part of the effort, Homan repeated his message that there is nothing to hide and that any wrongdoing by officers will not be tolerated. However, critics argue that this approach only serves to further erode trust between law enforcement and local communities.