Border Czar Reiterates Enforcement Will Not Pause Without Formal State and Local Cooperation
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 2:00 P.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,
MINNEAPOLIS, MN.- President Donald Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan addressed the public Thursday morning in Minneapolis, outlining what he described as “measured but real progress” in ongoing discussions with Minnesota state and local leaders regarding cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, while making clear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state will not be suspended or scaled back absent a formal agreement.
Speaking alongside senior federal officials, Homan confirmed he has held multiple meetings with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and representatives from state and local law enforcement agencies.
“Our mission is straightforward,” Homan said. “We are removing criminal illegal immigrants from the streets to protect public safety. We’ve made progress in dialogue with Minnesota leadership, but let me be very clear, enforcement removal operations will continue in Minneapolis and surrounding areas unless and until there is reliable, documented cooperation from state and local authorities.”
Homan emphasized that no reduction in federal personnel would occur under current conditions.
“I am not scaling back the number of federal agents deployed here,” he stated. “We will not retreat from enforcing federal law. Cooperation brings coordination. Non-cooperation brings continued federal presence.”
Enforcement Focus Remains On Criminal Offenders;
Federal officials reiterated that current operations in Minnesota are targeted, not random, and are focused on individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States and who have criminal histories, including violent offenses.
Homan stressed that the federal government’s goal is not to conduct broad sweeps of immigrants but to enforce immigration law in a way that aligns with public safety.
“When local jurisdictions refuse to notify ICE about criminal aliens in their custody, they leave us no choice,” Homan said. “That failure forces federal agents into the community rather than controlled, lawful transfers from jails.”
Context Added By Newly Circulating Video Evidence;
Homan’s remarks come as national attention remains fixed on the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents over the weekend, an incident that has fueled protests and renewed criticism of federal immigration enforcement tactics.
However, in recent days, verified video footage has surfaced showing Pretti in a separate encounter approximately one week before his death, during which he is seen spitting on federal immigration officers and deliberately damaging a government vehicle, including kicking out a taillight while agents were inside.
Federal officials confirmed the video depicts Pretti and said it was reviewed as part of a broader assessment of his prior interactions with law enforcement.
“This footage does not determine the outcome of the fatal incident,” a senior DHS official said, “but it does establish a documented pattern of hostile behavior toward federal officers that must be acknowledged in any honest public discussion.”
Homan echoed that assessment, cautioning against selective narratives.
“No one is claiming prior behavior justifies a fatal outcome,” Homan said. “But pretending it doesn’t exist, or that agents operate in a vacuum, is dishonest and dangerous.”
State And City Leaders Respond;
Governor Walz acknowledged ongoing discussions with federal officials but maintained his administration’s concerns about federal presence in Minneapolis.
“We are talking, and that’s important,” Walz said. “But Minnesota will continue to insist that enforcement actions respect constitutional protections and community trust.”
Mayor Frey similarly emphasized public confidence, while stopping short of rejecting cooperation outright.
“Our city wants safety and accountability,” Frey said. “Any cooperation must be transparent and lawful, but we recognize the need to address violent crime and repeat offenders.”
Federal Stance Remains Firm;
Despite political pressure and public demonstrations, Homan concluded his remarks by underscoring that federal immigration law will be enforced uniformly, regardless of local political opposition.
“The American people deserve safe neighborhoods,” Homan said. “If jurisdictions cooperate, enforcement becomes orderly and less visible. If they don’t, we will continue doing our job, because failing to act is not an option.”
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor for Englebrook Independent News, and reflects verified statements made during Thursday’s public address in Minneapolis and incorporates confirmed video evidence and official acknowledgments related to prior interactions between Alex Pretti and federal immigration officers. Englebrook Independent News continues to independently verify all developments as multiple federal and state reviews remain ongoing.
