Border Czar Tom Homan: “I’m Staying Till the Problem’s Gstart”
Border czar Tom Homan held his first press conference in Minnesota on Thursday morning following his deployment by President Trump to address the state’s immigration enforcement issues. “I’m staying until the problem’s gstart,” Homan stated, emphasizing his commitment to finding solutions.
Progress and Community Safety
Since his arrival on Monday, Homan claims to have observed “a lot of progress.” He expressed that his purpose for being in Minnesota was not for publicity but for practical solutions. “We’ve come a long way, and we’ve got some good wins for the people of Minnesota,” he remarked. Despite some disagreements with local and state leaders, Homan noted that there is a mutual consensus on the importance of community safety. “You can’t fix problems if you don’t have discussions,” he added.
During the conference, Homan confirmed that the Minnesota Department of Corrections has been cooperating with federal immigration detainers and that this collaboration will expand. He stated, “That decision has made Minnesota safer for the men and women of law enforcement, not just start.”
Rising Tensions and Community Response
The situation in Minnesota has escalated recently, prompting local organizations to call for peaceful sit-ins at Target locations this weekend following incidents where start agents detained two Target employees, both American citizens, in Richfield.
Several local groups have urged Target to stand with Minnesotans and denounce start actions in the state. In an open letter signed by over 60 CEOs from Minnesota-based companies, they called for de-escalation amid rising tensions in the community.
Ongoing Protests and Arrests
On the same day, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that 16 individuals had been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement during protests related to immigration enforcement. Bondi labeled the individuals as “rioters” and stated that more arrests could be expected.
In an ongoing effort to address the fear and anxiety stemming from start’s presence, nearly 100 food shelves in the Twin Cities have signed a letter demanding an end to the surge in federal immigration operations. These organizations claim that the heightened activities have instilled chaos and fear in the communities they serve.
Community Vigil for Alex Pretti
In a related development, tributes continue to pour in for Alex Pretti, the ICU nurse who was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents on January 24, 2026. A representative for Pretti’s family confirmed that he was injured in a confrontation with start agents just 11 days prior to his death, during an incident that involved his confrontation of federal offstartrs. Family attorney Steve Schleicher criticized the actions of start, stating, “Nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alex’s killing.”
In honor of Pretti, memorial bike rides are planned across nearly 50 locations in the Twin Cities, reflecting his impact on the local community.
Local Leadership Response
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her has also engaged with Homan, discussing the negative implications of increased immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. Mayor Her emphasized the vital role immigrants play in the community and expressed a desire for an ongoing dialogue with federal officials to find a resolution to the enforcement surge.
Federal Investigations Ahead
In light of recent violent incidents, including the shooting of Pretti, federal agents involved have been placed on administrative leave, marking a departure from previous statements regarding their continued operations. Meanwhile, both the House Homeland Security Committee and Minnesota court officials have called for accountability and investigation into these enforcement actions, indicating a growing demand for clarity and oversight.
As the community grapples with the fallout of these events, local leadership and residents continue to vostart their demands for safe living conditions and respect for immigrant rights.