During a meeting with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Homan described the discussions as “productive.” Ellison agreed to inform federal authorities when local jails plan to release individuals with serious criminal histories, addressing a longstanding request from federal enforcement agencies.
“One ICE agent can arrest someone safely while they are in custody,” Homan explained. “But when individuals with criminal records are released into the community, federal agents must respond to ensure public safety.”
Homan emphasized that federal enforcement will continue, particularly for cases involving serious criminal activity, while broader enforcement strategies are refined.
Enforcement Approach and Strategic Focus
The Trump administration has signaled a shift away from broad enforcement sweeps, focusing instead on individuals with criminal records. Homan stressed that the federal agents’ work will continue until the strategy is fully implemented and public safety concerns are addressed.
“President Trump wants this issue resolved, and federal agents will continue their work until it is addressed effectively,” Homan said.
Local Tensions and Recent Demonstrations
The federal enforcement operations have drawn protests and legal challenges in Minnesota. In recent days, tensions between federal authorities and local communities have intensified.
On Monday night, Minnesota State Patrol officers responded to a crowd of roughly 200 demonstrators outside a hotel in Maple Grove. Officials said the crowd ignored dispersal orders, blocked traffic, and caused property damage. Officers used a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) in voice mode to communicate with the crowd, ensuring safety while dispersing the gathering. Twenty-six arrests were made for unlawful assembly and related offenses.
The demonstrations followed the January 24 incident in Minneapolis involving the death of a 37-year-old man during an encounter with federal agents. The event has drawn ongoing attention as part of Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative targeting individuals in the state with criminal records who are in the country illegally.
Federal and local officials continue to coordinate on enforcement and community safety measures while responding to public concerns.
.@RealTomHoman: "ICE is enforcing the laws enacted by Congress… No agency or organization is perfect, and @POTUS and I, along with others in the Administration have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made. That is exactly what I'm doing here." pic.twitter.com/8D6dyX0QdA
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 29, 2026