In his statement, Homan, who is responsible for border issues in the Trump administration, confirmed that the withdrawal of personnel will begin immediately. About 2,000 other federal employees, who were sent to the region as part of an operation against illegal immigration, will remain in Minnesota.
Earlier this year, during protests against this operation, federal agents were responsible for the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. After that, the Trump administration had to remove the operation's leader, Greg Bovino, and appoint Tom Homan in his place.
The operation involves specialists from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Homan noted that employees from both agencies will be withdrawn.
According to Homan, the ultimate plan is to completely end the deployment of personnel in Minnesota and return them home; however, operations against illegal immigration will continue in the near future.
Homan also indirectly blamed opponents of the Trump administration for the violence in Minneapolis, claiming that protesters incite hatred, which he believes could lead to tragic consequences.
He reminded that he warned about potential dangers associated with such actions a year ago, and unfortunately, that prediction came true.
At the same time, Homan emphasized that neither he, nor President Trump, nor Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem sought violent conflicts.
Homan urged Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, to ask the state's residents not to interfere with the work of federal agents.
Following the events surrounding the deaths of Rene Good and Alex Pretti, Governor Walz advocated for the complete withdrawal of federal forces from the state.
Additionally, Secretary Kristi Noem recently announced plans to equip all federal agents in Minnesota with body cameras.
