Rep. Tony Gonzales recently hosted a town hall event where Border Czar Tom Homan took center stage with pointed remarks about immigration issues in Minnesota. Homan directed his comments at Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, suggesting a straightforward solution to the protests surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations: “Stop being a sanctuary state, a sanctuary city.” This direct approach underscores the serious divide between federal and local immigration policies.
During the event, Gonzales praised Homan as “a patriot” dedicated to border security, highlighting his extensive experience in protecting U.S. borders. Homan’s comments also zeroed in on the violence in Minneapolis, which has included protests leading to several arrests and a tragic incident where an anti-ICE protester attempted to run over an officer. “The mayor and other local officials could fix this overnight by ending their sanctuary policies,” Homan declared, further advocating for ICE’s access to jails. He argued, “Give us access in the jails so we can take custody of criminals in a controlled environment.”
Homan’s remarks emphasize his belief that local officials could significantly mitigate unrest by cooperating with federal agents. This contrasts starkly with the situation in Minnesota, where violence and opposition to ICE are reportedly more pronounced than in other states. Chief Border Patrol Agent Greg Bovino noted that nearly 25 assaults were reported in just four days in Minneapolis— a dramatic figure that contrasts with the more organized cooperation seen elsewhere, such as in Louisiana. There, state police assisted federal agents, resulting in only one assault on an officer during similar operations.
Gonzales also introduced the COPS Act, designed to heighten penalties against those who threaten law enforcement officers, including ICE agents. He emphasized the various forms of harm agents face, stating, “It’s not always a gun or a knife—sometimes it’s bottle rockets, fireworks, frozen bottles of water, and other projectiles.” This underscores the risks agents encounter and the need for stronger protections. The town hall not only highlighted the challenges of conducting immigration enforcement in politically charged environments but also revealed a commitment from some legislators to seek measures that could help support law enforcement in fulfilling their duties safely.
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