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Homan explained why those notifications matter in blunt terms.
“One ICE agent can arrest one bad guy when he’s behind the safety and security of a jail when he’s behind bars and we know he doesn’t have weapons,” Homan said. “But when you release that public safety threat illegal alien back into the community—we have a job to do. We’re going to arrest him, so we’re going to find him.”
He warned that releasing violent offenders forces agents into far more dangerous situations.
“So now what happens is now we’ve got to arrest somebody on his turf where he has access to who knows what weapons,” he said. “Now we’ve got to send a whole team out.”
Homan framed the issue as one of leadership and accountability, tying enforcement directly to the president’s agenda.
“President Trump wants this fixed and I’m going to fix it with your help,” Homan said, adding that federal agents will continue to enforce immigration laws.
“We’re going to do our jobs,” he said. “And we’re not leaving until this problem is gone.”
The Trump administration has signaled that enforcement strategy is evolving, with a shift away from wide street sweeps and toward operations focused on individuals with serious criminal histories. Homan made clear, however, that the change in tactics does not mean a retreat. Enforcement will continue throughout the transition.
The renewed push comes as Minnesota remains a flashpoint in the national immigration debate. Protests, lawsuits, and clashes with law enforcement have intensified as federal authorities move forward with what they call targeted removals of criminal illegal aliens.
That tension boiled over earlier this week when the Minnesota State Patrol confronted a large crowd of protesters outside the SpringHill Suites. Demonstrators believed federal immigration agents were staying at the hotel as unrest spread from Minneapolis into nearby suburbs.
After repeated dispersal orders were ignored, troopers announced they would deploy a long range acoustic device, commonly known as an LRAD. The system, originally developed for military use, can broadcast commands over long distances or emit high decibel tones capable of incapacitating crowds.
Officials stated the device was used strictly in voice mode, not deterrent mode, despite online claims suggesting otherwise. Authorities declared the gathering unlawful after property damage, traffic blockages, and debris thrown at officers. The night ended with 26 arrests for unlawful assembly and riotous conduct.
The demonstrations followed the January 24 shooting death of Alex Pretti, a 37 year old ICU nurse killed during a confrontation with federal agents in Minneapolis. The incident ignited nightly protests tied to Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s effort to remove criminal illegal aliens from Minnesota.
Law enforcement sources said protesters targeted the hotel believing acting Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and other agents were inside, though officials have not confirmed those details.
Despite the unrest, Homan made clear the federal government has no intention of retreating.
As protests rage and political leaders argue, federal officials say their priority remains unchanged: enforcing immigration law, removing violent offenders, and restoring public safety. Whether local leaders fully cooperate or continue to resist, Homan’s message left little room for doubt.
The enforcement effort is staying put.
