Kristi Noem has been left politically bruised after a stunning shake-up of ICE operations in Minnesota — with Trump’s border czar Tom Homan stepping in to impose strict new rules that undercut her hardline approach.
Speaking at a Thursday morning press conference in Minneapolis, Homan confirmed that ICE agents will now carry out “targeted, strategic enforcement operations” — a sharp departure from the aggressive tactics that have sparked outrage and deadly consequences in recent weeks.
Under the new directive, agents are instructed to ignore protesters, avoid confrontation, and only arrest immigrants with criminal records. The move comes after two people were shot and killed during recent immigration-related operations, igniting backlash nationwide.
Homan, who was appointed by Trump to oversee immigration enforcement in Minnesota, made it clear that his priority is de-escalation — not spectacle.
“My focus is on drawdown and cooperation with state and local leaders,” Homan said. “We’re being smart about how we do this.”
The announcement was widely seen as a public rebuke of Noem, who has repeatedly taken a far more aggressive tone — even referring to immigration protesters as “rioters” and “insurrectionists.”
“Do Not Engage With Agitators”
An internal email obtained by Reuters revealed just how sharply policy has shifted.
“DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS,” the message instructed ICE agents in the Twin Cities.
“It serves no purpose other than inflaming the situation.”
Agents were told to issue commands only when necessary and to avoid escalating encounters with demonstrators.
Homan echoed that stance publicly:
“You have the right to protest. I support that. I’m just asking that it stays peaceful.”
Criminals Only — No Exceptions
Under the new guidance, ICE officers are now restricted to targeting immigrants with criminal charges or convictions — a significant rollback from previous enforcement practices.
The directive, issued by Marcos Charles, head of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, makes the policy crystal clear:
“ALL TARGETS MUST HAVE A CRIMINAL NEXUS.”
Officers may still run license plate checks, but arrests can only be made if the vehicle owner has a criminal history.
That marks a return to policies used during the Biden administration — policies that were scrapped after Trump returned to office.
Political Fallout Grows
The shift comes as pressure mounts following the fatal shootings of Reene Good, a mother of three, and ICU nurse Alex Pretti. Trump acknowledged the unrest earlier this week, saying his administration would work to “de-escalate” tensions in Minnesota.
The backlash is also spreading beyond the state.
In Maine, Republican Senator Susan Collins confirmed that Noem has agreed to pull ICE operations after complaints that legal immigrants were being detained.
“Secretary Noem has informed me that ICE has ended its enhanced activities in Maine,” Collins wrote on X.
Despite the changes, a senior administration official cautioned that the guidance is not yet final.
“Discussions are ongoing on how to conduct operations most effectively in Minnesota,” the official said.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet issued a formal statement.
