Trump border tsar suggests Minnesota ICE drawdown if local officials ‘cooperate’
Homan stressed, however, that the administration was not backing down on immigration and vowed to stay until the ‘problem’s gone’
The number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota could be reduced, but only if state and local officials cooperate, US President Donald Trump’s border tsar said on Thursday, noting he had “zero tolerance” for protesters who assault federal officers or impede the ongoing operation in the Twin Cities.
Tom Homan addressed reporters for the first time since the president sent him to Minneapolis following last weekend’s fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti.
The news conference comes after Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in the Minneapolis and St Paul area after Saturday’s deadly shooting, the second this month. But Homan also emphasised that the administration is not backing away from its crackdown on illegal immigration.
Vowing to stay until the “problem’s gone”, he seemed to acknowledge missteps while warning protesters they could face consequences if they interfere with federal officers.
“I do not want to hear that everything that’s been done here has been perfect. Nothing’s ever perfect,” Homan said.
He added later: “But threatening law enforcement officers, engaging and impeding, and obstruction, and assault is never OK, and there will be zero tolerance.”