Border Czar Responds to Calls for ICE Reimbursement

Homan defends federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former ICE Director Tom Homan has responded to calls from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for the federal government to reimburse costs associated with recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state. Homan defended the federal immigration enforcement actions, stating that local officials should not impede lawful federal activities.

Why it matters

The dispute over ICE operations and reimbursement costs highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and state/local governments, particularly in areas with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The details

Homan, who served as Acting ICE Director under the Trump administration, argued that state and local officials should not obstruct lawful federal immigration enforcement. He stated that the costs of ICE operations are the responsibility of the federal government, not state or local jurisdictions. Walz and Frey had previously called for the federal government to reimburse Minnesota and Minneapolis for expenses related to recent ICE raids and operations.

  • On February 15, 2026, Homan responded to the calls for reimbursement from Walz and Frey.

The players

Tom Homan

Former Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump administration.

Tim Walz

Governor of Minnesota.

Jacob Frey

Mayor of Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“State and local officials should not impede lawful federal immigration enforcement activities.”

— Tom Homan, Former Acting ICE Director (theyeshivaworld.com)

The takeaway

The dispute over ICE operations and reimbursement costs reflects the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and state/local governments, particularly in areas with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.