Trump's border czar suggests a possible drawdown in Minnesota, but only after cooperation'

"The Trump administration could reduce the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota, but only if state and local officials cooperate, the president's border czar said Thursday, noting he has zero tolerance for protesters who assault federal officers or impede the ongoing Twin Cities operation. Tom Homan addressed reporters for the first time since the president sent him to Minneapolis following last weekend's fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti, the second this month by federal officers carrying out the operation."

"A possible downsizing Homan hinted at the prospect of pulling out many of the roughly 3,000 federal officers taking part in the operation, but he seemed to tie that to cooperation from state and local leaders and a reduction in protester interference. The drawdown is going to happen based on these agreements, he said. But the drawdown can happen even more if the hateful rhetoric and the impediment and interference will stop."

"He also said he would oversee internal changes in federal immigration law enforcement, but he gave few specifics. The mission is going to improve because of the changes we're making internally, he said. No agency organization is perfect. And President Trump and I, along with others in the administration, have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made."

The Trump administration could reduce the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota if state and local officials cooperate. The administration maintains zero tolerance for protesters who assault federal officers or impede the Twin Cities operation. Officials did not address recent shootings but acknowledged that operations have not been perfect and that missteps occurred. A potential downsizing would affect many of the roughly 3,000 federal officers now deployed and would be tied to agreements with state and local leaders and reduced protester interference. Internal changes in federal immigration enforcement are planned, though few specifics were provided.

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