Tom Homan, the Border Czar under the Trump Administration, fired back at Minnesota officials over claims for damages related to ICE’s Operation Metro Surge. Governor Tim Walz made headlines Thursday by demanding federal funds to address what he describes as “damage” suffered by the state due to the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement decisions. Walz’s comments followed the termination of Operation Metro Surge and the withdrawal of ICE agents from the state, which local officials met with relief, expressing a desire for reduced federal intervention.
“You don’t get to break things and then just leave,” Walz stated, emphasizing the lasting effects he believes were caused by federal actions. He mentioned “generational trauma” and “economic ruin” created by the enforcement operations and even claimed that Minnesota lost $103 million in “economic impact” just in January 2026. This assertion stands out, particularly considering one might expect large protests and disturbances to have some stimulating effect on local economies.
In response, Homan appeared on Fox News, making it clear that he sees the matter differently. He criticized Minnesota’s refusal to support efforts against illegal immigration while claiming federal accountability for perceived local damages. “They ought to be saying, Thank you,” he asserted, pointing out that Minnesota’s relative safety can be largely attributed to the operations of ICE. Homan shifted the blame back onto state officials, highlighting that during the border crisis, they remained silent as millions of illegal migrants entered the country. “The last four years, over 10 million illegal aliens crossed that border. That was broken. Where were they then?” he asked.
Homan’s argument challenges Walz’s positions by suggesting that failures in managing illegal immigration are systemic and not necessarily the result of federal enforcement operations. He made a strong case that the focus should be on the dangers of illegal immigration, including crime and drug overdoses—issues that have escalated during states’ declarations as sanctuary territories. “Did Governor Walz speak out against that?” he questioned, suggesting that complaints about federal actions are misguided when local policies may have contributed to broader issues of safety and security.
By raising these points, Homan indicated that instead of confronting the challenges posed by illegal immigration, Minnesota leadership has opted for rhetoric and financial grievances. His comments imply that local leaders should first address the broader immigration crisis and cooperate with federal law enforcement efforts to improve public safety.
The clash between Homan and Walz underscores a growing tension over immigration policy and its local implications, revealing differing priorities on how to handle the issue. Homan concluded by framing President Trump as someone ultimately working toward solutions that prioritize American citizens’ safety, noting, “President Trump gets another win. Every day he’s winning.” In this context, Homan’s defense is not just about protecting federal operations; it’s about a larger narrative of who takes responsibility for public safety and how government levels should collaborate to ensure the well-being of communities. The tug-of-war over accountability highlights the contentious landscape surrounding immigration enforcement and state versus federal dynamics.
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