Homan Suggests Deescalation in Minneapolis, But Only With 'Cooperation' From Local Officials

Former ICE director says local leaders must work with federal authorities to address public safety concerns.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:31am

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Former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Tom Homan has suggested that federal authorities could deescalate their presence in Minneapolis, but only if local officials cooperate and work with the federal government to address public safety concerns in the city.

Why it matters

Homan's comments come amid ongoing tensions between federal and local authorities in Minneapolis, which has seen protests and unrest following high-profile incidents of police violence against Black residents. The ability of federal and local governments to coordinate a response to public safety issues could have significant implications for the city's residents.

The details

Homan, who served as acting ICE director under the Trump administration, said that federal authorities could pull back their presence in Minneapolis if local leaders demonstrate a willingness to work with the federal government. However, he warned that a lack of cooperation from city officials could prompt a continued or even escalated federal response.

  • Homan made the comments on January 29, 2026.

The players

Tom Homan

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

Minneapolis

The city where ongoing tensions between federal and local authorities have led to protests and unrest following incidents of police violence against Black residents.

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What they’re saying

“We can deescalate, but it's going to take cooperation from the local officials.”

— Tom Homan, Former ICE Director

The takeaway

Homan's comments highlight the ongoing challenges in balancing federal and local authority when it comes to addressing public safety concerns, particularly in the wake of high-profile incidents of police violence. The ability of Minneapolis officials to work constructively with federal authorities could have significant implications for the city's residents.