Trump's Border Czar Engages Minnesota Governor in High-Stakes Immigration Talks
In a significant development, Tom Homan, appointed as Donald Trump's border czar, held a crucial meeting with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday. This engagement comes as Homan assumes control of the president's extensive immigration operation in Minneapolis, a move aimed at addressing mounting public outrage. The White House is actively working to manage the fallout from the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents this month, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement.
State Priorities and Federal Response in Focus
During the meeting, Governor Walz articulated Minnesota's key concerns to Homan, as reported by CNN. He emphasized the need for impartial investigations into the two recent shootings and advocated for a reduction in the 3,000-strong force of federal agents deployed to the city. Walz stated that both parties agreed to "continue working toward those goals," signaling a collaborative approach despite underlying tensions. This dialogue underscores the state's push for accountability and a scaled-back federal presence in urban areas.
Strategic Reset in Immigration Operations
The appointment of Tom Homan to replace top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino marks a broader reset in Trump's immigration strategy. Sources indicate that Bovino is departing after leading many of the president's crackdowns in Democratic-led cities. This shift is driven by concerns among some advisers that the killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents could jeopardize Trump's immigration agenda. Homan's role in Minneapolis is specifically to "recalibrate tactics" and enhance cooperation with state and local officials, according to a source connected to the White House.
Trump's Public Stance and Legal Challenges
In response to the incidents, President Trump addressed the situation, labeling it as "unfortunate" while rejecting the "assassin" descriptor used by an aide for the Minnesota shooting victim. He remarked, "That being said, you can't have guns, you can't walk in with guns, you can't do that, but it's a very unfortunate incident," referring to Pretti, a licensed gun owner whose firearm was confiscated before he was shot. Trump also held a two-hour meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Monday evening, as confirmed by a briefed source, indicating high-level discussions on the matter.
Adding to the complexity, Minnesota's chief federal judge threatened to hold Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in contempt for the agency's failure to comply with court orders regarding bond hearings for detainees. This legal pressure highlights ongoing challenges in immigration enforcement protocols.
Conciliatory Moves and Future Outlook
In a departure from his typically combative style, Trump has adopted a more conciliatory tone in public remarks. Governor Walz noted that Trump agreed to allow state authorities to conduct their own investigation into the shooting, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey indicated that some federal agents might begin withdrawing from the city starting Tuesday. These developments suggest a potential de-escalation and a renewed focus on collaboration between federal and state entities in managing immigration operations.
