White House Border Czar Optimistic About ICE Agreements in Minnesota

Homan says federal government paying for damage during Minneapolis operations 'ain't gonna happen'

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In an exclusive interview, White House Border Czar Tom Homan said the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis and Greater Minnesota should return to pre-Operation Metro Surge levels by the end of this week. Homan expressed optimism about an agreement with Governor Tim Walz to allow ICE agents to arrest undocumented immigrants released from jail. However, Homan dismissed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's request for financial relief, stating 'That ain't gonna happen.'

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities in Minneapolis highlight the broader political and legal battles over immigration policy in the United States. Homan's comments reflect the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration, while Frey's request for financial assistance underscores the impact of federal immigration actions on local communities.

The details

Homan said ICE has had cooperation with 80 jails in Minnesota and agents have arrested 1,500 illegal immigrants in the state since December 2025. He also revealed that the Department of Justice is investigating Signal group texts allegedly used by Minnesotans to share information about ICE agents' locations, which some have claimed involved Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.

  • By the end of this week, the number of ICE agents in Minneapolis and Greater Minnesota should return to pre-Operation Metro Surge levels.
  • Since December 2025, ICE agents have arrested 1,500 illegal immigrants in Minnesota.

The players

Tom Homan

White House Border Czar and former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Tim Walz

Governor of Minnesota.

Jacob Frey

Mayor of Minneapolis.

Peggy Flanagan

Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota.

Kash Patel

Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We're in more county jails than we ever have been before the agreement. We have different agreements with different counties. We are arresting more criminal aliens in the safety and security of the county jail which makes it more safe for the community and for our officers.”

— Tom Homan, White House Border Czar (am1100theflag.com)

“Minneapolis taxpayers should not be left to foot the bill of this situation that has been created by the federal government.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis (am1100theflag.com)

“That ain't gonna happen. C'mon. Where were they when 10 million people came across the border illegally? Where were they when half a million kids were smuggled into this country and they lost 300,000 of them?”

— Tom Homan, White House Border Czar (am1100theflag.com)

“That's ridiculous. That's not me, and I would just say the way that I'm showing up for my neighbors is we are getting mutual aid and groceries to families who need it… Frankly, that whole accusation is trying to distract people from what is happening in our streets in real time.”

— Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

The Department of Justice investigation into the Signal group texts allegedly used to share information about ICE agents' locations is ongoing.

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities in Minneapolis highlight the broader political and legal battles over immigration policy in the United States, with the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration clashing with local efforts to support immigrant communities.