Tom Homan Admits ICE Operation ‘Hasn’t Been Perfect’ In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s border czar, acknowledged Thursday that federal immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota have not been flawless and said internal improvements are being made as the operation continues in the Twin Cities.

Homan, who was sent to Minneapolis following last weekend’s fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti, said he does not believe everything done by federal immigration authorities during Operation Metro Surge has been perfect.

"I do not want to hear that everything that’s been done here has been perfect. Nothing’s ever perfect," Homan told reporters.

Homan said the administration has recognized that changes "could and should be made" within federal immigration law enforcement, though he did not provide specifics about what those changes would involve.

"The mission is going to improve because of the changes we’re making internally," Homan said. "No agency organization is perfect."

Homan’s comments came as he suggested the administration could eventually reduce the roughly 3,000 federal officers involved in the Minnesota operation, though he tied any drawdown to cooperation from state and local officials and a reduction in protester interference.

Despite President Donald Trump recently softening his rhetoric toward Minnesota officials officials report no change to the operation on the ground.

"This morning, Tom Homan said that operations will be more targeted, but that’s not what we are seeing," said Jason Chavez, Minneapolis Ward 9 city council member.

"If you are vulnerable to deportation, I want you to know that you still have to be careful. In fact, they’ve already kidnapped neighbors in South Minneapolis this morning, questioned youth in Phillips, and have been spotted circling our neighborhoods. We are always in need of observers, but please don’t do it alone."

Operation Metro Surge began in December and escalated sharply in January. Since then, two people have been fatally shot by federal officers during enforcement activity, including Pretti, 37, who was shot during a scuffle with Border Patrol agents.

No federal agents have been killed.

Earlier this month, 37-year-old Renee Good was shot in her vehicle by an ICE officer.

Homan said he would oversee internal changes aimed at improving enforcement efforts but emphasized that the administration is not relenting on its broader immigration crackdown.

Also read:

• Mayor Frey Goes To Washington To Push End Of ICE’s Metro Surge
• Pretti Kicked Feds' Tail Light, Was Grabbed By Agent Days Before Death: Videos2 Federal Agents
• Placed On Leave In Killing Of Minneapolis Nurse Alex Pretti

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.