Pete Davidson Plays Border Czar in 'SNL' Minneapolis Sketch

The 'SNL' cold open tackled ongoing political unrest and ICE raids in the city.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:47pm

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In the latest "Saturday Night Live" cold open, former cast member Pete Davidson returned to play White House border czar Tom Homan, addressing the political turmoil in Minneapolis. Davidson's Homan grew frustrated as he tried to explain to a room of confused ICE agents why they should not use force against protesters or destroy evidence. The sketch also featured James Austin Johnson as an ICE agent who questioned the agency's tactics and lack of training.

Why it matters

The "SNL" cold open comes after the show's previous episode on Jan. 24 received backlash for largely sidestepping the killing of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. This latest sketch tackles the ongoing unrest and ICE raids in the city, highlighting concerns over the agency's aggressive tactics and lack of clear direction.

The details

In the sketch, Davidson's Homan told the ICE agents that their mission in Minneapolis is to "detain and deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes." However, one agent said this was "literally the first I'm hearing of that." Homan also stressed that agents should not use force, asking, "The job, ultimately, is about keeping America safe from what?" An agent responded, "This could be wrong, but Don Lemon?" The sketch ended with Davidson giving an inspirational speech to the agents, asking if they can do their jobs "without violating anyone's rights as Americans," to which an agent played by Kenan Thompson simply replied, "No."

  • The "SNL" cold open aired on February 1, 2026.
  • The previous "SNL" episode on January 24, 2026 received backlash for its handling of the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

The players

Pete Davidson

A former cast member of "Saturday Night Live" who returned to play the role of White House border czar Tom Homan in the cold open sketch.

James Austin Johnson

An "SNL" cast member who played an ICE agent in the cold open sketch.

Kenan Thompson

An "SNL" cast member who played an ICE agent in the cold open sketch.

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What they’re saying

“The job, ultimately, is about keeping America safe from what?”

— Pete Davidson (as Tom Homan), White House border czar (SNL)

“This could be wrong, but Don Lemon?”

— James Austin Johnson (as ICE agent) (SNL)

“You hired a bunch of angry, aggressive guys, gave us guns and didn't train us, so this is maybe what you wanted to happen?”

— James Austin Johnson (as ICE agent) (SNL)

“No.”

— Kenan Thompson (as ICE agent) (SNL)

The takeaway

The "SNL" cold open highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns surrounding ICE's aggressive tactics and lack of clear direction in responding to political unrest in Minneapolis, raising questions about the agency's ability to carry out its mission without violating the rights of American citizens.