Trump Gives Minnesota Update
President Donald Trump made clear Thursday that his administration will not retreat from immigration enforcement in Minnesota, directly contradicting earlier remarks suggesting a possible reduction in federal activity in the state.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the premiere of the Melania documentary at the Kennedy Center, the president was asked whether federal immigration agents would be withdrawn following recent controversy.
“We keep our country safe,” Trump said. “We’re going to do whatever we have to do to protect the American people.”
When pressed again on whether enforcement would be scaled back, Trump was unequivocal.
“No. Not at all,” he replied.
The president’s firm response appeared to override comments made earlier in the day by border czar Tom Homan, who said officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were reviewing a possible “draw down” of personnel in Minnesota.
During a press briefing in Minneapolis, Homan explained that any adjustments would depend on cooperation from local authorities and the number of remaining enforcement targets.
“What does that look like based on cooperation?” Homan asked. “What does it look like based on how many targets are still out there?”
Homan was dispatched to Minnesota following leadership changes within Border Patrol operations and growing scrutiny after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot during federal immigration actions earlier this year.
In response, the administration has reviewed portions of Operation Metro Surge, a targeted enforcement effort in the state. Homan acknowledged that changes were necessary but emphasized that the mission itself remains intact.
“No operation is ever perfect,” Homan said. “What matters is identifying improvements and making enforcement safer, more effective, and fully compliant with the law.”
He added that internal reforms are already underway to strengthen procedures and prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, tensions across Minnesota have continued to escalate. Immigration enforcement actions have sparked protests, confrontations with federal officers, and increasing political pressure at both the state and national levels.
In Washington, scrutiny is intensifying. Senior officials from multiple federal immigration agencies are expected to testify before House and Senate Homeland Security committees next month, signaling that the issue will remain in the spotlight.
Public confidence has also been affected. A national survey conducted before and after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti found that a majority of Americans now report having little confidence in ICE. The Department of Homeland Security described the incident as an “armed struggle,” though video footage released afterward has fueled ongoing debate.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s message was unmistakable: his administration is not backing away from enforcing immigration law or prioritizing public safety — in Minnesota or anywhere else.
