By Amanda Castro, Hannah Parry, and Shane Croucher
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The White House and Senate Democrats have reached a deal on Immigration and Customer Enforcement (ICE) funding ahead of the looming government shutdown. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding will now be separated from the main government funding package, which includes five bipartisan bills and a two-week temporary spending bill for DHS. The deal was made Thursday after Democrats and eight Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, blocked the bill in the Senate.
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What To Know
- President Donald Trump welcomed the Senate deal, saying "Republicans and Democrats in Congress have come together to get the vast majority of the Government funded until September, while at the same time providing an extension to the Department of Homeland Security (including the very important Coast Guard, which we are expanding and rebuilding like never before."
- Trump oversaw the longest government shutdown in U.S. history in 2025, with a deal reached after 43 days.
- Democrats made clear that they were prepared for another shutdown in the face of spiraling confidence in ICE following the fatal shooting of two Americans—Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti—by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
- Meanwhile another judge has ruled that ICE violated his court order and must show cause why they should not be held in contempt.
- In his ruling, Doty gave the respondents, which include Todd M. Lyons, Acting Director of ICE, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary and Pamela Bondi, Attorney General, until Friday to respond in a brief.
- Doty's decision came days after the chief federal judge in Minnesota, Patrick J. Schiltz, ordered Lyons to personally appear before the court this Friday to explain why he should not be held in contempt, after he said DHS had "failed to comply" with "dozens of court orders" related to the ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the state.
- The requirement has since been dropped after the migrant petitioner in that case was released from jail.
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Jan 29, 2026 at 08:02 PM EST
GOP senator defies Trump, escalates attack on Noem and Miller
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina continued to level criticism against some Trump administration officials following the violence in Minnesota over the past few weeks, which saw two Americans killed by federal agents.
Tillis drew attention this week as he and Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska called for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to step down from her role after federal agents in Minneapolis fatally shot U.S. citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti this month.
Tillis posted video of Homan's Thursday morning press conference on X, writing: "This is what competent leadership looks like. Noem and Miller, take notes," referring also to United States Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller.
Read in full: GOP Senator Defies Trump, Escalates Attack on Noem and Miller
Jan 29, 2026 at 07:47 PM EST
Trump says ‘we have to get rid of criminals’ in Minnesota
President Donald Trump has praised the work of Tom Homan, who was sent to Minneapolis this week to lower the temperature after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by ICE agents, but he insisted that the federal agency still has to "get rid of the criminals in Minnesota.
Trump was asked about if he was pleased with the job Homan was doing in the state, since replacing Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino.
"I think he's terrific," Trump said. But "we have to take criminals out of our country. So from that standpoint, nothing's going to change that."
Earlier today, Homan said "massive changes" are coming to Minneapolis after he said he had reached agreements with local and state officials that would "draw down" the number of federal agents.
Jan 29, 2026 at 07:33 PM EST
Federal workers urge Congress to avert shutdown, separate DHS funding
The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE‑IAM) called on Senate leaders to move forward with Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations and avoid another government shutdown. In a letter to Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the union urged Congress to consider Department of Homeland Security funding separately from other measures, citing the recent fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by DHS agents.
The letter, sent Wednesday, warned that failing to split the DHS bill could trigger a partial shutdown, leaving more than one million federal employees without pay, including hundreds of thousands required to continue working. “Federal employees know from experience that shutdowns are costly, inefficient, economically harmful, and damaging to the delivery of public services,” the union wrote.
NFFE National President Randy Erwin stressed the urgency of action, noting the disruption caused by last year’s prolonged shutdown. “The Senate has a clear path to address DHS funding while keeping the government open and sparing federal workers from another unwarranted and damaging shutdown,” he said.
Jan 29, 2026 at 07:14 PM EST
WATCH: ICE agent tells man ‘You raise your voice, I erase your voice’
Jan 29, 2026 at 07:06 PM EST
Mike Johnson says he was ‘vehemently opposed’ to breaking up funding package
Speaker Mike Johnson told The Associated Press on Thursday that he had been “vehemently opposed” to breaking up the funding package, after Senate Democrats agreed a deal with the White House to separate DHS funding from the bill.
However, Johnson said that he was willing to compromise to avoid another government shutdown.
"If it is broken up, we will have to move it as quickly as possible. We can’t have the government shut down," he added.
The deal will see the DHS funding separated from the main government funding package, which includes five bipartisan bills and a two-week temporary spending bill for DHS. It was made Thursday after Democrats and eight Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, blocked the bill in the Senate.
Jan 29, 2026 at 06:56 PM EST
Trump reacts to Senate deal on DHS to avoid looming shutdown
President Donald Trump has welcomed a new Senate deal on Department of Homeland Security funding ahead of a looming government shutdown.
"Republicans and Democrats in Congress have come together to get the vast majority of the Government funded until September, while at the same time providing an extension to the Department of Homeland Security (including the very important Coast Guard, which we are expanding and rebuilding like never before," Trump said on Truth Social.
The deal will separate DHS funding from the main government package, which includes five bipartisan bills, and will just fund Homeland Security for two weeks while negotiations about restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue between the White House and Democrats. Today's deal was made hours after Democrats and eight Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, blocked the original bill in the Senate.
Read in full: Donald Trump Reacts to Senate Deal on DHS To Avoid Looming Shutdown
Jan 29, 2026 at 06:47 PM EST
Full list of Democrat demands for ICE as government shutdown looms
With a partial government shutdown looming at the end of the week, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has laid out a list of demands aimed at overhauling immigration enforcement practices at the Department of Homeland Security, including an enforceable code of conduct for federal agents, mandatory identification during arrests and expanded use of body cameras.
Democrats say they will withhold the votes Republicans need to keep the government open unless the Trump administration agrees to major changes at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and related agencies. The standoff comes amid widespread outrage over the fatal shootings of two people by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
Read in full: Full List of Democrat Demands for ICE as Government Shutdown Looms
Jan 29, 2026 at 06:29 PM EST
Senate Democrats reach deal on DHS funding amid looming shutdown
The White House and Senate Democrats have reached a deal on Immigration and Customer Enforcement (ICE) funding ahead of the looming government shutdown, according to Chuck Schumer's office.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding will now be separated from the main government funding package, which includes five bipartisan bills and a two-week temporary spending bill for DHS.
The deal was made Thursday after Democrats and eight Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, blocked the bill in the Senate.
Jan 29, 2026 at 06:14 PM EST
Indiana Democrat calls for ICE to be eliminated ‘as we know it’
Rep, Andre Carson, an Indiana Democrat, has called for Congress to "eliminate ICE as we know it."
"I'm urging people to keep the pressure up and fight these gross human rights abuses," Carson said in a post on X on Thursday.
He also called on people to keep up their pressure on Congress which he said was the only entity that could eradicate the agency.
Jan 29, 2026 at 06:02 PM EST
Minnesota ICE agent says officers need to be held accountable
A Democratic congressional candidate shared a video of his conversation with an ICE agent in Minnesota, in which the agent discussed ICE officers' accountability in their line of work.
Matt Little posted the exchange he had with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on X.
“I’m a lawyer, trust me dude. I agree there’s some people that are not great in our profession too. But we all, like, I have to hold my profession accountable and you do too,” Little said.
The ICE agent responded, “Yes, we do.” The agent added that, “as far as policy changes and stuff goes, and training, we’re all about that.”
Newsweek reached out to Little and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for comment.
Jan 29, 2026 at 05:46 PM EST
Thune says negotiations to avoid shutdown are ‘trending in the right direction’
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Thursday that negotiations to avoid another government shutdown are “trending in the right direction, but I don’t think we’re quite there yet.”
Thune was speaking after Senate Democrats, and a handful of Republicans, blocked the government funding bill on Thursday over concerns about its funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
If the Senate cannot approve the funding bill by midnight on Friday, the government will go into shutdown.
When asked if he had spoken with the administration about "what to do" to progress the talks, Thune confirmed he had.
Jan 29, 2026 at 05:40 PM EST
‘ICE is out of control,’ warns Schiff as he calls for body cameras and bans on masks
Sen. Adam Schiff took aim at ICE on Thursday, as he called for a ban on "masked anonymous agents without IDs" and demanded the requirement for body cameras.
"ICE is out of control. We need urgent and sweeping reforms to end its cruelty and lawlessness," he said on X.
"Stop the indiscriminate raids and deployment of mass untrained agents to American cities over the opposition of mayors and governors, end the profiling and warrantless searches and seizures. Enforce accountability by establishing use of force standards and independent investigations. Ban masked anonymous agents without IDs, and require body cameras."
Jan 29, 2026 at 05:25 PM EST
Hotels become battleground in ICE protests
From Minneapolis to Maine, hotels have become flashpoints in the fight over U.S. immigration enforcement. Demonstrators have staged noisy late‑night protests outside properties believed to house federal agents, banging pots and pans, blowing whistles, and playing drums. In New York, activists briefly occupied the lobby of a Hilton Garden Inn, while right‑wing influencers have targeted hotels accused of refusing rooms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel.
The protests have placed hotel owners — often immigrant franchisees — in a difficult position. Chains like Hilton and Marriott require franchisees to accommodate all guests, including federal agents, but doing so has triggered boycotts, cancellations, and public backlash. Hilton recently severed ties with a Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, after video surfaced of a clerk declining to rent rooms to ICE agents. Labor groups say the presence of immigration officers has created fear among hotel workers, many of whom are immigrants themselves.
Industry leaders acknowledge the strain. The American Hotel & Lodging Association said hotels are focused on safety for employees and guests, even as bomb threats and vandalism have disrupted operations in Minnesota. Activist groups, including the Sunrise Movement, argue the pressure campaign is necessary to force hotels to reconsider their role in immigration enforcement. Organizers vow that more protests are coming until their message is heard.
Jan 29, 2026 at 05:18 PM EST
Religious leaders in DC slam immigration crackdown as ‘moral failure’
Religious leaders in Washington D.C. have called the ICE agent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti “a profound moral failure," as they condemned the Trump administration's harsh immigration crackdown.
“We affirm the sacred worth of every human life,” said Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, in a joint statement with seven other faith leaders.
"That commitment includes – and compels us to stand with – immigrants and others who are especially vulnerable in this moment. We condemn without reservation the use of indiscriminate and lethal force against civilians," they continued.
"The actions we have witnessed in recent days represent a grave departure from our nation’s deepest moral commitments and from the values of human dignity, restraint, and accountability that our faith traditions uphold. When the power of the state is exercised without regard for life, justice, or the common good, the foundations of democracy itself are put at risk. We speak out now from a place of deep love for our nation and a growing concern that our own local communities will potentially experience the same loss of life and turmoil we are seeing in Minneapolis."
The faith leaders urged government officials to "recommit themselves to policies that uphold life, dignity, and the rule of law," to ensure every person can walk their street "without fear, and with the knowledge that they are seen, valued, and protected."
Jan 29, 2026 at 05:11 PM EST
Montreal protest to highlight U.S. immigration enforcement
A protest is planned Sunday in downtown Montreal to denounce U.S. immigration enforcement and show solidarity with demonstrators in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. The event, called ICE Out MTL, is scheduled for 1 p.m. outside the U.S. Consulate on Sainte‑Catherine Street.
Organizer Michael Lipset, a Montreal resident originally from Minnesota, said the demonstration aims to amplify calls for accountability and change. Lipset, who lived near the neighborhoods where both Pretti and Renée Good were killed, described the protest as an act of solidarity with communities mobilizing against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He said the message is clear: ICE must be abolished, and its practices challenged not only in the U.S. but globally.
Lipset added that the Montreal action is the first of several planned in the city, underscoring the belief that “an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Jan 29, 2026 at 04:57 PM EST
Officials nationwide push accountability for federal immigration agents
In the wake of the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti, elected officials across the country are pressing for stronger oversight of federal immigration agents. At the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said mayors are urging the Trump administration to ensure agents receive proper training and accountability measures. “We need to take a breath in America and maybe cause ICE to pull back, regroup, retrain and then approach us from a different stance,” Dyer said.
Local prosecutors are also mobilizing. District attorneys from Dallas, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia announced the creation of Fight Against Federal Overreach, a coalition aimed at prosecuting federal agents who exceed their lawful authority. Dallas DA John Creuzot warned that law enforcement is being “weaponized against American citizens” and stressed that “absolute immunity does not exist.”
Legislatures are joining the push. California’s State Senate passed the No Kings Act, allowing residents to sue federal officers who violate constitutional rights, with similar bills introduced in other states. Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom reminded California law enforcement of their jurisdiction to investigate crimes committed by federal agents, while a coalition of 20 attorneys general filed an amicus brief backing Minnesota’s lawsuit against the federal surge of immigration agents.
Minnesota leaders say the crisis underscores broader constitutional concerns. Edina Mayor James Hovland noted racial profiling and “random enforcement” in his state, warning that such practices could spread nationwide.
Jan 29, 2026 at 04:49 PM EST
WATCH: Trump says ‘We don’t want a shutdown’ as Democrats block funding bill
Jan 29, 2026 at 04:43 PM EST
Trump addresses shutdown concerns amid DHS funding fight
President Donald Trump briefly acknowledged the risk of a government shutdown during a cabinet meeting on Thursday, as Democrats continue pressing to strip Department of Homeland Security funding from a $1.2 trillion spending package. The push follows the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by immigration agents in Minneapolis, which has intensified opposition to DHS appropriations.
Highlighting recent economic gains, Trump told his cabinet, “Hopefully we won’t have a shutdown, we’re working on that right now. The Democrats, I don’t believe, want to see it either.” He added that the administration would “work in a very bipartisan way not to have a shutdown.”
Meanwhile, debate over the spending package is unfolding on the Senate floor, where lawmakers face a midnight Friday deadline to avert a lapse in government funding.
Jan 29, 2026 at 04:39 PM EST
Bovino sends to his team from Mount Rushmore after being ousted from Minnesota
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has shared a video of himself addressing his team after being ousted from his role in the immigration crackdown in Minnesota by the Trump administration.
Speaking in front of Mount Rushmore, he addressed ICE agents saying "I support you, and I salute you.”
Bovino, who coined the term “TURN AND BURN” to describe how ICE descended on U.S. cities for immigration crackdowns, making mass arrests, continued: “Team, behind me are a few individuals… the ORIGINAL turn and burn—the folks that helped make America.”
“But you know what? I'm very proud of what you, the MEAN GREEN MACHINE, are doing in Minneapolis right now, just like you've done it across the United States over these past tough nine months.” “And I want you to know that YOU are the modern day equivalent of TURN AND BURN. It makes me very proud.”
Jan 29, 2026 at 04:29 PM EST
Federal complaint charges man in assault on Rep. Omar
A federal criminal complaint unsealed Thursday accuses Anthony J. Kazmierczak of assaulting Representative Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall earlier this week. Court documents say Kazmierczak used a syringe to spray Omar with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water, moments after she called for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. An FBI affidavit notes Kazmierczak appeared to tell Omar, “You’re splitting Minnesotans apart.”
The affidavit states the liquid stained Omar’s clothing and may have reached her face and right eye. It also includes a photo of the syringe allegedly used in the attack. Investigators cited interviews with a close associate of Kazmierczak, who claimed he had previously said “somebody should kill” Omar. The filing also referenced social media posts in which Kazmierczak shared anti‑Democratic content, including a cartoon critical of the congresswoman.
Kazmierczak, 55, was subdued by security and taken into custody at the scene. He is scheduled for an initial court appearance Thursday and has not yet entered a plea. State Senator Bobby Joe Champion and Minneapolis City Council member LaTrisha Vetaw said they were also struck by the liquid during the incident. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty confirmed her office is investigating.
Under federal law, assaulting or intimidating a federal officer carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, or up to eight years if physical contact is involved. Omar’s office did not immediately comment, though she continued her town hall after the attack and later wrote on social media: “I don’t let bullies win.”
Jan 29, 2026 at 04:20 PM EST
WATCH: Minneapolis Mayor Frey warns other cities they could be next
Jan 29, 2026 at 04:14 PM EST
Democratic attorneys general back Minnesota in clash with Bondi
Several Democratic state attorneys general voiced support for Minnesota officials Thursday, denouncing demands made by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as unlawful and unconstitutional. In a letter signed by attorneys general from 21 states and the District of Columbia, they said Bondi’s directives to Governor Tim Walz “are without lawful basis and inconsistent with fundamental principles of our federal system.”
Bondi had told Walz that he could “bring an end to the chaos in Minnesota” by abandoning sanctuary city policies, sharing confidential social services data with the Trump administration, and handing over the state’s full voter rolls. The Democratic attorneys general accused the administration of trying “through force what it cannot achieve through the courts,” noting that similar disputes have failed to produce legal victories for President Donald Trump.
The letter also condemned the timing of Bondi’s demands, issued the same day federal agents fatally shot a second civilian in Minneapolis. “It is not to uncover fraud or pursue criminal undocumented immigrants, but rather to terrify the people of Minnesota and coerce the State into abandoning policies and protections it has the sovereign authority to pursue,” the attorneys general wrote.
Jan 29, 2026 at 04:05 PM EST
Bruce Springsteen releases song about Minneapolis resisting and protesting ICE
Bruce Springsteen has released a new song, called the Streets of Minneapolis, slamming ICE and describing how protesters have been resisting the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
The lyrics describe how “a city aflame fought fire and ice, ’neath an occupier’s boots." Springsteen later refers to ICE agents as “King Trump’s private army.”
"I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good," Springsteen wrote on Instagram.
White House Abigail Jackson spokesperson, told Associated Press: “The Trump Administration is focused on encouraging state and local Democrats to work with federal law enforcement officers on removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from their communities — not random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.”
Jan 29, 2026 at 03:59 PM EST
Shutdown looms as trust in ICE erodes
Public outrage over ICE’s tactics has fueled the current standoff. Advocates say the agency’s expanded detention and enforcement budgets have emboldened officers, leading to deadly encounters with U.S. citizens.
Democrats are now demanding reforms, including requiring judicial warrants for arrests, ending detention quotas, and mandating identification by federal agents. Without those changes, they warn, DHS funding will not move forward — even if it means another government shutdown.
Jan 29, 2026 at 03:58 PM EST
Maine governor demands accountability after ICE detentions
Maine Governor Janet Mills said Thursday that 200 people have been detained in the state by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, many of whom “appear to be here legally” and without criminal records. Her remarks came hours after Senator Susan Collins announced that ICE’s “enhanced operation” in Maine had been halted.
Mills called for transparency, saying residents deserve to know who was detained, where they are being held, and the legal justification for their arrests. “The reported end of ICE’s ‘enhanced operation’ in Maine does not end the pain and suffering that they have inflicted on communities across our state,” she said, citing families separated and businesses threatened.
Jan 29, 2026 at 03:53 PM EST
WATCH: Minnesota state senator calls Trump administration a ‘racist goverment’
Jan 29, 2026 at 03:44 PM EST
Republicans need Democratic votes to pass bill
With 53 seats in the Senate, Republicans cannot pass the spending package without at least seven Democratic votes. That math has become more daunting as Democrats unify against DHS funding.
The House passed the package last week, but without Senate approval, non‑essential services across multiple departments — including Defense, Education, and Transportation — will grind to a halt. The looming shutdown threatens to disrupt millions of Americans.
Jan 29, 2026 at 03:33 PM EST
DHS claims it immigration operation in Minnesota has arrested murderers, pedophiles
The Department of Homeland Security claimed Thursday that its massive immigration crackdown in Minnesota had arrested "murderers, pedophiles, rapists, and child abusers."
"DHS law enforcement is on the ground in Minnesota arresting criminal illegal aliens and removing them from Minnesota’s streets," the agency said on X.
The statement comes as DHS and ICE face mounting criticism over their actions in Minneapolis and Minnesota which have resulted in the deaths of two American citizens.
Jan 29, 2026 at 03:31 PM EST
Democrats harden stance after Pretti killing
The killing of Alex Pretti by immigration agents has reshaped the political landscape. Democrats who once signaled willingness to avoid a shutdown now say they will not support the DHS budget in its current form.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and others have made clear that reforms must be written into law before they agree to fund DHS. Their position marks a sharp departure from earlier assurances that a shutdown would be avoided.
Jan 29, 2026 at 03:17 PM EST
Procedural hurdles block separate DHS vote
Some lawmakers have floated the idea of voting separately on DHS funding, but Senate rules make that option unlikely. Any changes to the House‑approved package would require lengthy procedures and another vote in the House, which is currently in recess.
With Speaker Mike Johnson unlikely to recall members for a second vote, senators are left with limited options. The procedural roadblocks underscore how difficult it will be to break the impasse before Friday night.
Jan 29, 2026 at 03:03 PM EST
ICE funding sparks fierce Senate divide
At the heart of the budget fight is a proposed increase of more than $700 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rights advocates say the agency has already received billions in recent years and point to two recent shootings in Minneapolis as evidence of unchecked power.
Democrats argue that without reforms, ICE will continue to operate with little accountability. Republicans counter that the agency is critical to national security and accuse Democrats of politicizing tragedy. The clash has left the Senate gridlocked just days before the shutdown deadline.
Jan 29, 2026 at 02:48 PM EST
Senate faces shutdown deadline amid DHS clash
The United States is once again staring down the possibility of a government shutdown as lawmakers struggle to reach an agreement on a $1.2 trillion spending package. The Senate must act before midnight Friday to keep federal agencies open, but a dispute over Department of Homeland Security funding has stalled progress.
Democrats have vowed not to approve additional money for DHS unless guardrails are placed on immigration enforcement, a stance hardened after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Republicans, meanwhile, insist the package must remain intact, leaving little room for compromise.
Jan 29, 2026 at 02:39 PM EST
Judge warns ICE over ‘forum shopping’ in detainee transfers
A federal judge in Minnesota is raising alarms about Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices that he says undermine transparency in the courts. Judge Donovan Frank criticized ICE for “forum shopping” by quickly transferring detainees to states perceived to have more favorable judges.
“These practices … generally suggest that ICE is attempting to hide the location of detainees,” Frank said, warning that the tactic erodes due process and makes it harder for families and attorneys to locate those in custody.
Jan 29, 2026 at 02:31 PM EST
Another judge threatens to hold senior ICE officials in contempt for violating court order
Reagan-appointee district judge David Doty has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) violated a court order to return a Guatemalan immigrant to Minnesota, where he lived and was arrested, and must show cause why they should not be held in contempt.
In his ruling, Doty gave the respondents, which include Todd M. Lyons, Acting Director of ICE, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary and Pamela Bondi, Attorney General, until Friday to respond in a brief.
The order also stated that the migrant, named only as Jose V., must be returned to Minnesota within 24 hours of the order. He must also be granted a bond hearing within seven days or the order, or released.
Doty's decision came just days after the chief federal judge in Minnesota ordered Lyons to personally appear before the court this Friday to explain why he should not be held in contempt, after he said that DHS had "failed to comply" with "dozens of court orders" in recent weeks related to the ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the state.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek in an emailed statement after the order that Judge Patrick J. Schiltz is "just another activist judge who is clearly more concerned about politics than the safety of the Minnesotans."
Schiltz has since dropped the requirement for Lyons to appear in court after the migrant petitioner in that case, named only as Juan T.R., was released from jail within days of Schiltz's order.
Jan 29, 2026 at 02:30 PM EST
ICE says Ecuadorian consulate shielded man from arrest
Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed Thursday that its officers attempted to arrest an Ecuadorian national in Minneapolis who fled into the Ecuadorian consulate.
In a statement, ICE said consulate employees “protected” the man, whom the agency described as having a criminal history.
Jan 29, 2026 at 02:29 PM EST
Frey urges unity, wins standing ovation at mayors conference
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey closed his remarks at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., with a call for unity across political lines. “This is a moment where we all have to stand together,” he said, stressing that the challenges facing cities are “more important than being a Democrat or a Republican.”
Frey told the audience of mayors that they are the ones who will “hold this democracy together” and urged them not to back down in the face of federal pressure. His appeal drew a standing ovation as he left the stage, underscoring the support he has received from local leaders nationwide.
Jan 29, 2026 at 02:16 PM EST
Walz says he will leave politics after current term
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that his career in elected office will end once his current term concludes. “I will never run for an elected office again. Never again,” Walz said in an interview with MS NOW on Wednesday.
The statement marks a definitive step beyond his earlier decision not to seek re‑election as governor, which had already sent shock waves through state and national politics. Walz, who served as the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2024, had previously left open the possibility of pursuing another office in the future.
Jan 29, 2026 at 02:14 PM EST
Minneapolis Mayor Frey applauded at U.S. Conference of Mayors
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey drew a warm reception Thursday while addressing the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. The crowd’s applause prompted Frey to remark, “That is exactly the group therapy session that I needed. It is heartwarming to be here with all of you.”
Frey said he felt the support of mayors nationwide as his city grapples with heightened federal immigration enforcement. “We recognize that one great American city is experiencing an invasion. That is an invasion on our democracy, on our Republic, and on each and every one of us, and the fact that you all stand up means the world,” he told the gathering.
Jan 29, 2026 at 02:02 PM EST
Judge blocks federal arrests of refugees in Minnesota
A federal judge has temporarily barred the Trump administration from arresting and detaining legally admitted refugees in Minnesota without a warrant. The order, issued Wednesday by Judge John Tunheim, sharply criticized recent enforcement tactics, noting that the refugees “are not committing crimes on our streets, nor did they illegally cross the border.” He said they have a legal right “not to be subjected to the terror” of current immigration operations.
The ruling comes in response to Operation PARRIS, launched in January to re‑examine the status of more than 5,600 refugees in Minnesota who have not yet secured permanent residency. According to a criminal complaint, more than 100 refugees — including children — have been subjected to unlawful arrests, detentions, and interrogations since the program began.
The International Refugee Assistance Project, a plaintiff in the case, said some detainees were held for over a week and moved between facilities in shackles. Attorney Kimberly Grano described the crackdown as “a campaign of terror to try to strike fear into these communities,” adding that many of those targeted had already applied for green cards, only to see their cases frozen after the government halted most processing last year.
Jan 29, 2026 at 01:57 PM EST
Ilhan Omar attacker faces charges by Trump’s DOJ
Federal prosecutors have charged a man who splashed apple cider vinegar on Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar during an event in Minneapolis, according to court documents unsealed Thursday.
Anthony Kazmierczak, arrested after Tuesday’s incident, is accused of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding and intimidating Omar, the complaint states. An affidavit says the liquid was a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar. After spraying Omar, Kazmierczak appeared to shout, “She’s not resigning. You’re splitting Minnesotans apart,” the document says. Investigators also noted that he previously told an associate that “somebody should kill” Omar.
It was not immediately clear whether Kazmierczak had an attorney.
Court records indicate Kazmierczak has a criminal history and has posted messages online supportive of Republican President Donald Trump.
Jan 29, 2026 at 01:48 PM EST
WATCH: New video shows Alex Pretti’s scuffle with federal officers days before his death
Jan 29, 2026 at 01:40 PM EST
Kristi Noem doesn’t speak during abbreviated Trump cabinet meeting
President Donald Trump wrapped up a Cabinet meeting Thursday without inviting comments from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem despite mounting scrutiny on the official.
Trump spoke for roughly 30 minutes and called on several agency heads, but he did not ask the leader of Homeland Security to weigh in. The silence came as Noem faces intensifying pressure over the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota during a federal operation, prompting some members of Congress to call for her resignation.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also remained silent a day after FBI agents searched the election office of a Georgia county central to right‑wing conspiracy theories surrounding Trump’s 2020 loss.
Both Noem and Bondi attended the meeting.
Jan 29, 2026 at 01:34 PM EST
Democratic attorneys general rebuke federal actions in Minnesota
More than 20 Democratic attorneys general have sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, sharply criticizing federal immigration operations in Minnesota.
The officials expressed alarm over Bondi’s recent letter to Governor Tim Walz, urging changes to state policies, calling the federal approach an overreach. “The inescapable reality is that the federal government is engaging in a dangerous and ongoing assault on the State of Minnesota and its residents,” the attorneys general wrote.
Jan 29, 2026 at 01:20 PM EST
Federal complaint details assault on Rep. Omar
A newly unsealed federal criminal complaint accuses Anthony J. Kazmierczak of assaulting Representative Ilhan Omar during a public event in Minneapolis earlier this week.
According to the filing, an FBI agent reported that Kazmierczak sprayed Omar with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. The agent said Kazmierczak then appeared to tell the congresswoman, “You’re splitting Minnesotans apart.”
Kazmierczak was taken into custody at the scene and faces federal charges in connection with the incident. Omar was shaken but not seriously injured, and has vowed to continue speaking out despite the attack.
Jan 29, 2026 at 01:06 PM EST
FBI affidavit details assault on Rep. Omar
An FBI agent’s affidavit has provided new details about the assault on Representative Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis earlier this week. The document states that the liquid used in the attack stained Omar’s clothing and may have reached her face and right eye.
The affidavit also includes a photograph of the syringe that authorities say Anthony J. Kazmierczak used in the incident. Kazmierczak, 55, was arrested at the scene and charged with assault.
Federal investigators are continuing to review evidence as local and state officials weigh possible charges. Omar was shaken but uninjured and has vowed to continue speaking out despite the attack.
Jan 29, 2026 at 12:52 PM EST
Homan signals shift in immigration approach during Minnesota visit
President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan sought to reset the tone of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota during his first public appearance Thursday. Sent by the White House to “clean up this mess,” Homan acknowledged that mistakes have been made in carrying out the administration’s agenda and said changes are underway.
Homan pledged he would remain in the state “until the problem’s gone,” stressing that public safety must take precedence over deportation targets. He warned that federal officers who fail to act professionally will face consequences.
The border czar also confirmed he is drafting a “draw down plan” to reduce the federal presence in Minnesota, though he cautioned that such steps depend on cooperation from state and local leaders.
Jan 29, 2026 at 12:42 PM EST
Senate Democrats block funding bill over ICE
Senate Democrats and eight Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have blocked a major government funding bill amid concerns over its funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The move signals that President Donald Trump's administration still has a lot of negotiations to go with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown by midnight Friday.
Democrat Sen. Patty Murray, the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she was voting “no” because the administration still not agreed to a deal to separate the DHS funding from the bill.
“We are all in agreement on funding for child care, cancer research, air traffic controllers, our troops and more but we have also been clear that we cannot and will not move the DHS bill without real progress on accountability,” she said on the Senate floor.
Jan 29, 2026 at 12:39 PM EST
Vigils and tributes continue for Alex Pretti
Nearly a week after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers, tributes to the 37‑year‑old nurse continue to grow across Minneapolis.
On Wednesday night, community members gathered for a vigil near the site of the shooting, surrounding a large portrait of Pretti with flowers and candles. The gathering reflected the ongoing grief and calls for accountability that have followed his death.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited a memorial for Pretti earlier in the day, meeting with his parents and pledging to “continue to tell his story.”
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Jan 29, 2026 at 12:39 PM EST
What is the international law barring law enforcement entering foreign consulates?
The prohibition on local law enforcement entering foreign consulates is grounded in international treaty law, specifically the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963. The convention sets out the legal framework governing consular relations between states and is binding on its signatories.
Under Article 31 of the convention, consular premises are considered inviolable. This means authorities of the host country—including police and other law enforcement agencies—may not enter a foreign consulate without the consent of the head of the consular post or an authorized representative. The rule is designed to ensure that consulates can carry out their official functions without interference.
Unlike embassies, however, consulates do not enjoy absolute protection. The convention allows for limited exceptions in emergency situations. Article 31 specifies that consent to enter may be presumed in cases such as fires or other disasters requiring immediate action to protect life or property.
Embassies are governed by a separate treaty, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which provides stronger protections. Under that convention, diplomatic premises are afforded near-total inviolability, with no comparable emergency exception.
Jan 29, 2026 at 12:26 PM EST
67 arrested in protest at University of Minnesota hotel
The University of Minnesota said its police department arrested 67 people for unlawful assembly on Wednesday night during a protest at a campus hotel. Activists have alleged that immigration agents are staying at the property, fueling tensions that drew dozens of demonstrators.
Witnesses reported seeing many young protesters handcuffed and escorted by officers to buses waiting nearby.
Jan 29, 2026 at 12:18 PM EST
WATCH: Moment ICE agents tried to enter Ecuadorian consulate in breach of international law
Jan 29, 2026 at 12:14 PM EST
ICE confirms it tried to enter Ecuadorian consulate
A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that its agents did try to enter the Ecuadorian Consulate in Minneapolis, against the wishes of consulate staff.
International law prohibits law enforcement authorities from entering foreign consulates or embassies without express permission, with very few exceptions, such as to tackle a life-threatening fire.
However, following viral footage of an ICE agent trying to enter the consulate and threatening staff who denied him access, an ICE spokesperson has confirmed that agents tried to enter the consulate.
In a statement, the spokesperson claimed that the building was "not clearly marked as the consulate." However, Google Maps images show both the emblem of Ecuadorian and clear signage stating "Consulate of Ecuador."
They added that agents had been following a migrant with a previous conviction for a DUI, who they said fled into the consulate.
"The ICE officers were focused on arresting the criminal illegal alien," the spokesperson said.
“The Consulate employees protected this public safety threat illegal alien. He is still at large," they added.
Jan 29, 2026 at 12:12 PM EST
WATCH: Homan acknowledges Minnesota operation has not gone to plan
Jan 29, 2026 at 11:59 AM EST
Homan highlights dialogue with Minnesota leaders
White House border czar Tom Homan on Thursday thanked Minnesota officials he has met with — and those he plans to meet — during his visit to the state. He cited conversations with Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and “numerous police chiefs and sheriffs.”
“We’ve had meaningful dialog,” Homan said, noting that while disagreements remain, common ground has been found on several issues. He emphasized that continued discussions are essential, even with those not aligned with the administration. “Bottom line is you can’t fix problems if you don’t have discussions,” he told reporters.
Homan added that he intends to expand talks to include business and religious leaders, saying he wants to hear directly from communities. “I came here to seek solutions, and that’s what we’re going to do,” he said, pointing to what he described as early progress and “good wins for the people of Minnesota.”
Jan 29, 2026 at 11:47 AM EST
Walz reiterates call for federal drawdown in Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s office issued a statement Thursday responding to comments from White House border czar Tom Homan, who said he had asked ICE and CBP to develop a “drawdown plan” for the state.
“As the Governor has said, we need a drawdown in federal forces, impartial BCA investigations, and an end to the campaign of retribution against Minnesota,” the statement read.
The response underscores Walz’s continued push for reduced federal presence and independent oversight following weeks of tension over immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.
Jan 29, 2026 at 11:46 AM EST
Minneapolis Mayor Frey heads to Washington to oppose ICE operations
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is traveling to Washington, D.C., today to join fellow mayors and federal lawmakers at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. His office said the trip is aimed at pressing for an end to Operation Metro Surge and other immigration enforcement actions he described as unlawful.
“Minneapolis may be where we’ve seen one of the largest ICE deployments in the country, but it will not be the last if we fail to act,” Frey said in a statement. He added that he intends to make the case for replacing current strategies with approaches that build trust, improve safety, and prioritize residents.
In addition to advocating against federal immigration tactics, Frey will take part in broader discussions on how cities can work together to strengthen community safety.
Jan 29, 2026 at 11:31 AM EST
Senate faces crucial test vote on spending bill
The Senate is preparing for a pivotal test vote this morning on a spending package designed to avert a government shutdown past Friday. The outcome — or whether the vote proceeds at all — hinges on ongoing negotiations between the White House and Senate Democrats over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Lawmakers say the preliminary vote will serve as a gauge of whether talks with the administration have yielded progress. If senators conclude discussions remain stalled, the chamber could delay action, raising the risk of a partial shutdown at week’s end.
The package under consideration would extend funding for federal agencies, but the dispute over DHS appropriations remains the central obstacle. Democrats have pressed for changes to immigration enforcement provisions, while Republicans insist the bill already reflects bipartisan priorities.
Jan 29, 2026 at 11:17 AM EST
What you might have missed from Homan’s Minneapolis press conference
White House border czar Tom Homan closed Thursday’s briefing by refusing to weigh in on newly surfaced video of Alex Pretti confronting federal agents days before he was killed. “We’ll let the investigation roll out,” he said, stressing that as a law enforcement officer, he would not make a public determination before the facts are assessed.
Earlier, Homan declined to share his personal opinion on the fatal shootings of Pretti and Renee Good, saying only that investigations must play out. He also avoided giving a number when asked how many federal agents remain in Minnesota, noting only that rotations occur “all the time.”
Throughout the briefing, Homan urged Minnesotans to stop what he called “hateful rhetoric,” warning that threats against agents have escalated violence. He emphasized that the administration is targeting sex offenders but acknowledged that others in the country illegally are also subject to enforcement. He suggested that a drawdown of federal forces could happen if state and local officials grant ICE broader access to jails, placing responsibility on local leaders to cooperate.
Homan repeatedly framed the mission as an effort to “regain law and order,” while defending agents as “mothers and fathers” working in a challenging environment. He admitted DHS had strayed from targeted enforcement in recent months but insisted the agency is returning to that approach.
At the outset, Homan said he came to Minnesota to “seek solutions,” citing meetings with Governor Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. He declared progress had been made since his arrival, pledging to restore order while acknowledging that the federal government’s mission had not been carried out perfectly.
Jan 29, 2026 at 11:03 AM EST
WATCH: Homan calls for cooperation to ‘draw down’ ICE agents in Minnesota
Jan 29, 2026 at 10:49 AM EST
Homan says Trump, administration do not want loss of life
White House border czar Tom Homan on Thursday emphasized that neither he nor President Donald Trump wants anyone to die as federal immigration operations continue in Minnesota.
“The President, one of the words he said to me when I came up here, he doesn’t want to see anybody die… I don’t want to see anybody die, even the people we’re looking for. I don’t want to see anybody die,” Homan told reporters.
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Jan 29, 2026 at 10:36 AM EST
Minneapolis Mayor Frey heads to Washington, calls for ICE policy shift
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is in Washington today to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors and meet with members of Congress, his office confirmed. Frey said he will use the trip to press for changes in federal immigration enforcement.
“I’m going to Washington to make the case for ending this strategy and replacing it with approaches that build trust, improve safety and put our residents first,” Frey said in a statement.
The visit comes amid heightened debate over ICE operations in Minneapolis, where local leaders have urged federal officials to scale back enforcement tactics and prioritize community trust.
Jan 29, 2026 at 10:23 AM EST
Immigration attitudes shift as deportation support rises
When Donald Trump left office after his first term, Gallup polling showed—for the first time in six decades—that more Americans favored increasing immigration. That sentiment changed under President Joe Biden, as record numbers of migrants arrived at the southern border.
By January 2024, with Trump running again, a CNN/SSRS poll found about half of Americans supported mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. The results highlight how quickly public opinion has swung, reflecting both political leadership and the scale of migration pressures.
Jan 29, 2026 at 10:08 AM EST
Homan declines to give Agent numbers, emphasizes drawdown
White House border czar Tom Homan on Thursday avoided providing a specific figure when pressed on how many Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents are currently operating in Minnesota.
Homan said rotations among personnel occur “all the time” and declined to offer a headcount. Instead, he emphasized that his priority is to reduce the federal presence in the state. “My main focus now is drawdown,” he told reporters at the press conference.
Jan 29, 2026 at 09:55 AM EST
Homan declines to share opinion on fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti
White House border czar Tom Homan on Thursday refused to publicly weigh in on the recent fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
Asked for his view on the incidents, Homan acknowledged he had a personal opinion but said he would not disclose it. “Do I have an opinion? Yeah. A personal opinion. I’m not going to share that with you,” he told reporters. He added: “We’ll let the investigation play out.”
Jan 29, 2026 at 09:41 AM EST
Poll finds majority want fewer ICE agents, criminal charges in Pretti case
A new YouGov survey shows most Americans oppose the scale of federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and believe agents were unjustified in the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti. By a margin of 55 percent to 18 percent, respondents said the agents used excessive force, with majorities of Democrats and independents rejecting the shooting. More than half also support criminal charges against the agents involved.
The poll found 44 percent of Americans blame ICE and other federal agents for most of the violence at Minneapolis protests, compared with 29 percent who fault protesters. Only 18 percent want more agents deployed, while 55 percent favor reducing or removing ICE’s presence in the city.
Respondents strongly disapproved of all 10 enforcement activities tested, including detaining U.S. citizens and entering homes without warrants. By contrast, large majorities backed protesters’ rights to march peacefully and film agents, though they opposed more confrontational tactics.
The survey also revealed broad support for reforms: 90 percent want ICE agents to wear body cameras, 83 percent favor mandatory de-escalation training, and 64 percent support prosecuting agents who kill civilians. While Americans remain divided on abolishing ICE outright, the findings underscore declining confidence in the agency and growing demand for accountability after Pretti’s death.
Jan 29, 2026 at 09:28 AM EST
Homan urges end to hostile rhetoric, warns of rising threats
White House border czar Tom Homan on Thursday called for an end to what he described as “hostile rhetoric and dangerous threats” directed at immigration enforcement agents, warning that such language has fueled assaults and heightened risks in Minnesota.
Speaking at a press conference, Homan said the administration was compelled to deploy additional federal resources after violence against agents escalated. “I begged for the last two months on TV for the rhetoric to stop. I said in March, if the rhetoric didn’t stop, there’s going to be bloodshed, and there has been. I wish I wasn’t right,” he said.
Homan noted he has been working with local law enforcement leaders to prioritize agent safety, stressing that the goal is to eventually reduce the federal presence in the state. He said police chiefs have pledged to respond when protests turn violent, emphasizing their role is not to enforce immigration law but to protect public safety and maintain order.
Jan 29, 2026 at 09:15 AM EST
Lawmakers decry conditions for 5-year-old in Texas ICE facility
Rep. Jasmine Crockett raised alarms after visiting the South Texas Family Residential Center, where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos is being held with his father following their apprehension by federal agents in Minnesota earlier this month.
Crockett said both the child and his father appeared unwell, describing the conditions inside the detention center as “worse” than what she has witnessed in state and federal prisons. “He was so lethargic,” she told reporters after the visit.
Rep. Joaquin Castro also met with the family, recounting that the boy’s father said his son had been sleeping excessively and eating very little. Castro added that the child misses his classmates and family and wants to return to school.
Jan 29, 2026 at 09:02 AM EST
Homan backs peaceful protest, warns against violence
White House border czar Tom Homan on Thursday struck a different tone from other administration officials, acknowledging that Americans have the right to protest federal immigration enforcement. Speaking at a press conference in Minneapolis, Homan said he supports First Amendment rights but urged demonstrators to remain peaceful.
His remarks contrasted with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, who have repeatedly described protesters as “agitators,” “rioters,” or “insurrectionists.” Homan emphasized that while peaceful protest is protected, any threats, obstruction, or assaults against law enforcement would face “zero tolerance.”
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:56 AM EST
Homan highlights sex offender focus in immigration crackdown
At a Minneapolis news conference, border czar Tom Homan repeatedly stressed that the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy is prioritizing sex offenders. He framed the effort as a public safety measure, underscoring that individuals with criminal records remain the central targets of federal operations.
Homan’s remarks reflect a broader Republican messaging strategy that has long invoked sex crimes and violence against women to justify hard-line immigration policies. Party leaders have frequently cited cases in which undocumented immigrants were accused of killing young women as evidence for mass deportations and expanded enforcement powers.
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:54 AM EST
Homan outlines jail cooperation with ICE, notes disagreement with Minnesota officials
Homan said Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed county jails may notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement of release dates for individuals deemed “criminal public safety risks,” allowing ICE to take custody directly.
Homan said he and state and local officials agreed that community safety must remain the priority, that ICE’s legitimacy should be recognized, and that those arrested for public safety concerns could be transferred to federal custody. He added that cooperation would focus on identifying and removing individuals considered threats.
However, Homan stressed there was disagreement over the role of state and local officials in immigration enforcement. “To be clear, we did not agree with Minnesota’s state and local officials that … they would be involved in immigration enforcement,” he said. “I didn’t ask them to be immigration officers. I’m asking them to be cops working with the cops to help us take criminal aliens off the street.”
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:51 AM EST
Tom Homan defends ICE and CBP standards amid Minnesota immigration crackdown
Homan said that federal immigration enforcement must prioritize individuals with criminal records, calling them “a significant concern to the safety and security of the community.”
Homan said ICE and CBP have for decades carried out their duties “with integrity, professionalism and compassion,” and that President Trump expects those standards to continue. He pledged to hold agents accountable if they fail to meet conduct requirements, noting, “If they don’t, they’ll be dealt with like any other federal agency.”
Acknowledging the difficult environment federal officers face, Homan emphasized that agents are sworn law enforcement officials tasked with protecting the nation’s interests and preventing dangerous individuals from returning to communities. He added that despite criticism, ICE and CBP are “trying to do it with professionalism” under challenging circumstances.
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:37 AM EST
Homan renews push for ICE jail access, citing safety and efficiency
Homan has long argued that Immigration and Customs Enforcement should have greater access to local jails, stressing that custody transfers at detention facilities are safer and more efficient than arrests in neighborhoods.
Homan, who previously led ICE’s deportation operations, oversaw the agency during a period when it had broader access to jails than it does today. He has maintained that allowing ICE officers to take custody of individuals upon release from local facilities reduces risks for agents, detainees, and the public.
ICE officials say jail access also streamlines enforcement, allowing a single officer to process multiple detainees at a single location. By contrast, arrests in communities require more manpower and pose greater logistical challenges.
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:34 AM EST
Tom Homan pledges targeted immigration enforcement, rejects ‘photo op’ approach in Minnesota
Homan said that his mission is focused on solutions, not headlines, as he works to reshape federal immigration enforcement operations in the state.
Homan acknowledged that “no agency organization is perfect” but emphasized that changes are being made to make enforcement “safer, more efficient, by the book.” He said President Donald Trump and administration officials have recognized the need for improvements and that he has conveyed those expectations to federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.
Outlining the administration’s strategy, Homan stressed that operations will be “targeted,” focusing on individuals with criminal and immigration histories identified through federal databases. He described this as a return to “strategic enforcement operations” prioritizing public safety threats.
Rejecting criticism on social media, Homan insisted the administration is not backing away from its immigration agenda. “Prioritization of criminal elements doesn’t mean we forget about everybody else,” he said, underscoring that enforcement will continue across communities.
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:30 AM EST
Tom Homan says jail cooperation with ICE key to public safety in Minnesota
Border czar Tom Homan announced progress in Minnesota after meeting with Attorney General Keith Ellison, saying county jails can notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement of release dates for individuals deemed public safety risks.
Homan argued that taking custody of detainees directly from jails is “common sense,” describing it as safer for communities, agents, and the detainees themselves compared to arrests made in neighborhoods. He dismissed concerns that cooperation with ICE undermines trust between immigrant communities and local police, insisting victims and witnesses of crime “should feel safe to come to police and ask for help.”
He emphasized that ICE’s focus is on individuals already jailed by local authorities, not victims or witnesses. “Victims don’t want the bad guy back in their neighborhood,” Homan said, adding that agreements with sheriffs reduce manpower needs and minimize risks during arrests.
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:26 AM EST
Homan ‘staying til the problem is gone’
Homan opened a press conference in Minneapolis by pledging to remain in the city “’til the problem’s gone."
He, who was dispatched to the state on Monday, told reporters that federal authorities have already made strides. “We’ve made a lot of progress, a lot of progress in the last three days,” he said.
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:24 AM EST
Tom Homan presser begins
White House border czar Tom Homan said to the press this morning that he is on the ground in Minneapolis to “regain law and order” following weeks of unrest tied to federal immigration enforcement.
Homan told reporters he has met with Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in recent days and emphasized the importance of listening to local communities. “You can’t fix problems if you don’t have discussions,” he said. “I came here to seek solutions, that’s what I’m going to do.”
He added that “community safety is paramount,” signaling a shift toward dialogue and collaboration as federal operations continue to draw scrutiny and protests across the Twin Cities.
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:16 AM EST
While we wait for Tom Homan, here is what to know about the border czar
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President Donald Trump has dispatched White House border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents, a move that has intensified scrutiny of the administration’s immigration tactics. Federal officials have claimed, without providing evidence, that Pretti posed a domestic terrorism threat, a portrayal that has drawn bipartisan criticism.
Homan, 64, is a longtime law enforcement official who began his career as a New York police officer before joining the Border Patrol in California in 1984. He later led Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s deportation efforts under the Obama administration and served as acting ICE director during Trump’s first term, where he defended controversial policies such as family separations and opposition to sanctuary cities.
His assignment to Minnesota comes amid internal disputes over enforcement strategy. The decision effectively sidelines Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino, whose broad sweeps have been backed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Homan has signaled a preference for targeted arrests focused on public safety threats, though DHS has recently expanded sweeps in immigrant-heavy communities.
Republican lawmakers welcomed Trump’s move, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune calling Homan’s leadership a “positive development” that could restore order in Minneapolis. Still, Homan faces lingering scrutiny from a 2024 FBI sting in which he was recorded accepting $50,000 in cash, an investigation later closed by the Justice Department.
Jan 29, 2026 at 08:00 AM EST
Tom Homan press conference to kick off soon
Border czar Tom Homan is set to speak to the press shortly from Minneapolis after Trump sent him to the city to head the immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
Jan 29, 2026 at 07:56 AM EST
Police detain protesters at Minneapolis hotel amid immigration enforcement unrest
Several demonstrators were detained on Wednesday during a protest outside the Graduate Hilton hotel in Minneapolis, according to video obtained by FNTV.
Footage shows protesters using musical instruments and other objects to create a loud noise while being kept back from the hotel by security barriers and a police cordon. FNTV reported that arrests occurred after protesters refused police orders to disperse.
Jan 29, 2026 at 07:42 AM EST
Keith Ellison questions federal transparency in Alex Pretti killing
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison voiced frustration over the lack of information surrounding the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis.
During a CNN appearance, a local small business owner asked Ellison whether he had the names of the Customs and Border Protection officers involved. Ellison replied that he did not, adding, “It feels like a cover-up, Kevin.”
Ellison said he was reluctant to accuse the federal government of concealment but noted that recent events left him little choice. “I would never want to say that about our federal government, but over these past days, I’m not going to ignore the evidence that’s in front of my face,” he said.
Jan 29, 2026 at 07:29 AM EST
Amy Klobuchar announces run for Minnesota governor
Senator Amy Klobuchar formally entered Minnesota’s 2026 governor’s race on Thursday, declaring her candidacy in a post on X.
“Minnesotans, we’ve been through a lot,” Klobuchar wrote, adding that the moment calls for “grit, resilience, and faith in each other.” She pledged to “stand up for what’s right” and “fix what’s wrong” as she seeks to lead the state.
Jan 29, 2026 at 07:16 AM EST
ICE halts large-scale immigration operations in Maine after public backlash
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ended its “enhanced activities” in Maine, Senator Susan Collins announced Thursday on social media. Collins said there are “currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here,” following a week of heightened enforcement that drew sharp criticism across the state.
The Trump administration’s crackdown in Maine began last week, with ICE reporting efforts to detain 1,400 individuals it described as “criminal illegal aliens.” However, Democratic officials and attorneys representing detainees have disputed that characterization, noting that some of those arrested have no criminal records.
Jan 29, 2026 at 07:02 AM EST
Appeals court blocks Trump administration’s move to end TPS for Venezuelans, Haitians
A federal appeals court on Wednesday ruled that the Trump administration acted unlawfully when it terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans and Haitians living and working in the United States.
In a decision from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Judges Kim Wardlaw, Salvador Mendoza and Anthony Johnstone upheld a lower court ruling, finding that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem exceeded her authority in ending the program.
“The Secretary’s actions fundamentally contradict Congress’s statutory design,” the panel wrote, warning that the termination had “real and significant consequences” for families who depend on TPS to remain in the country. The judges noted that Noem’s decision left many in “a constant state of fear” of deportation, detention, or family separation.
TPS has long shielded nationals from countries facing extraordinary crises. Millions of Venezuelans have fled economic and political turmoil, which deepened this month after former President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. authorities and flown to New York to face drug charges. Haitians were first granted TPS in 2010 following a devastating earthquake that killed and injured hundreds of thousands.
The Trump administration previously attempted to end Haitian TPS in 2018, but court challenges kept protections in place. Noem moved to terminate the program shortly after taking office, arguing conditions had improved in both nations — a claim now rejected by the appeals court.
Jan 29, 2026 at 06:48 AM EST
Who is Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar?
White House border czar Tom Homan, 64, began his federal immigration career as a Border Patrol agent in 1984 and rose to prominence after the creation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2003.
Under the Democratic Obama administration, he led ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, tasked with deporting individuals with outstanding removal orders. In 2015, the Obama administration awarded him a Presidential Rank Award for his effectiveness.
Homan postponed his 2017 retirement after being asked by John Kelly, then Secretary of Homeland Security, to stay on under incoming Republican President Donald Trump, eventually serving as acting director of ICE.
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He became one of Trump’s most recognizable immigration enforcers.
Homan defended the Trump administration’s broad approach to enforcement, including targeting undocumented immigrants without criminal records.
In a 2018 interview with the Associated Press, he emphasized that entering the country illegally alone justified deportation, regardless of family or employment history.
Though controversial for his association with family separation policies, Homan has remained an influential figure, seen by some as a voice of restraint and moderation against the current crop of officials, and ultimately a competent and highly experienced professional in his field.
In 2024, he pledged to run “the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen” if Trump returned to office. Appearing on Fox News, he said enforcement would prioritize national security threats and be carried out “in a humane manner.”
Trump made Homan his White House border czar in January 2025 at the start of his second administration.
Homan faced scrutiny in 2024 after reports surfaced of him accepting $50,000 from undercover agents posing as businessmen, triggering a bribery investigation.
The case was later closed by Trump’s Justice Department, and the White House defended Homan, calling the probe an entrapment attempt.
Jan 29, 2026 at 06:22 AM EST
Susan Collins shares ICE update about “enhanced activities” in Maine
Republican Senator Susan Collins said she has received confirmation from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem that "ICE has ended its enhanced activities in the State of Maine."
"There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here," Collins, from Maine, said in a post on X.
"I have been urging Secretary Noem and others in the Administration to get ICE to reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state. I appreciate the Secretary's willingness to listen to and consider my recommendations and her personal attention to the situation in Maine.
"ICE and Customs and Border Patrol will continue their normal operations that have been ongoing here for many years. I will continue to work with the Secretary on efforts to end illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and other transnational criminal activity."
Jan 29, 2026 at 06:17 AM EST
Shutdown fears recede as White House, Senate Democrats make progress in talks
Multiple reports across the U.S. media on Thursday morning say that negotiations between the White House and Senate Democrats on the DHS funding bill are progressing, a sign that a partial government shutdown may be avoided after all.
Democrats, in response to the fatal events in Minnesota during the ICE surge in the state, want to carve out Homeland Security funding from the bill to negotiate restricting immigration enforcement operations.
Due to the filibuster, 60 votes are needed in the 100-seat Senate, meaning the Republican majority of 53 is not enough to drive the funding bill through without coming to a deal with at least some Democrats.
The funding bill also includes money for DHS agencies such as FEMA and the Coast Guard, as well as ICE and CBP.
But, per The New York Times, CNN, and Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, the White House is open to a carve-out to avoid a shutdown.
No deal has yet been agreed, however.
“It appears that the White House and the Senate are making good progress to avoid a shutdown,” Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, told The New York Times.
Jan 29, 2026 at 05:33 AM EST
Texas opens new H-1B visas investigation as Republican states deepen crackdown
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican who is also running for the U.S. Senate, said he is launching an investigation into abuses of H-1B visas by the state's businesses.
H-1B visas are intended for highly skilled, specialized foreign workers who can fill important gaps in the U.S. workforce.
But the Trump administration and its allies across the U.S. have sought to crack down on H-1Bs, saying businesses have used them to hire cheaper foreign workers at the expense of domestic talent.
Several Republican-led states have moved to impose restrictions on the hiring of H-1B visa workers at public universities and state agencies.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott ordered a freeze on new H-1B petitions through May 31, 2027, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis directed the state's Board of Governors to end H-1B hiring at public universities.
Paxton is focused on reports of scams involving fake companies with sham offices used to fraudulently sponsor H-1B visas.
"Any criminal who attempts to scam the H-1B visa program and use ‘ghost offices’ or other fraudulent ploys should be prepared to face the full force of the law," Paxton said in a statement.
"Abuse and fraud within these programs strip jobs and opportunities away from Texans."
Jan 29, 2026 at 05:20 AM EST
Revealed: “Culture of abuse” inside ICE’s largest detention center
A new report by Newsweek's Billal Rahman sheds fresh light on what life is like for some of those currently detained in federal immigration facilities.
A group of women held in a sprawling immigration detention facility in West Texas told Newsweek of unsanitary, overcrowded and restrictive conditions inside a tent complex with no natural light, limited medical care, and frequent confrontations with guards.
Three women detained at Camp East Montana, along with another who was recently deported from the site, gave accounts—via audio recordings and handwritten statements obtained by Newsweek—of life inside the facility between September 2025 and January 2026. Two said they hold green cards, giving them permanent residency in the United States.
“The culture of abuse in this place is one that runs from the top down,” one woman told Newsweek.
Read Billal's latest report in full.
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