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Why is Tom Homan coming to Minnesota? Trump takes major move amid uproar over Alex Pretti’s killing by federal agent

President Trump is sending Border Czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to manage ICE operations following federal agents' shootings during Operation Metro Surge.

Updated on: Jan 26, 2026, 20:55:03 IST
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President Donald Trump is dispatching Border Czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee ICE operations following uproar over killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge.

President Trump is deploying Border Czar Tom Homan to supervise ICE operations, as local officials and residents push for the agency's exit from the area. (AFP)
President Trump is deploying Border Czar Tom Homan to supervise ICE operations, as local officials and residents push for the agency's exit from the area. (AFP)

According to the President, Homan, who is “tough and fair”, will directly report to him.

“I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.

Trump’s statement clarified that Homan has not been previously engaged in Minnesota, where numerous federal agents have been dispatched in recent weeks to implement the Trump administration’s assertive deportation policy.

Residents of Minnesota, along with local and state officials, are urging ICE to withdraw from Minnesota. A significant number of federal agents are present in Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge.

Also Read: Free samosas and meals: Here's how Indian restaurant in Minneapolis supporting anti-ICE protestors | Watch video

Karoline Leavitt says Homan to coordinate in Minnesota fraud probe

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a social media post that Homan will collaborate with officials overseeing the ongoing investigations into fraud schemes in Minnesota.

“Tom Homan will be managing ICE Operations on the ground in Minnesota to continue arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. In addition, Tom will coordinate with those leading investigations into the massive, widespread fraud that has resulted in billions of taxpayer dollars being stolen from law-abiding citizens in Minnesota,” she wrote.

Killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti

Two US citizens have lost their lives in Minneapolis within a month due to confrontations with federal agents.

Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7 as she attempted to drive her SUV after being instructed to exit the vehicle by another agent.

On Saturday, Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse working in the intensive care unit in Minneapolis, was shot and killed by federal officers.

Both incidents took place during daylight hours in front of witnesses and were recorded from various angles, significantly increasing the scrutiny regarding the tactics and training of immigration agents.

In both cases, several officials from the Trump administration quickly defended the actions of the agents as warranted, while making statements about the events that subsequent analyses revealed were contradicted by the available video footage.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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