The Trump administration is considering new guidelines for federal immigration officers in Minnesota. This draft memo aims to modify tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Key changes would limit enforcement actions to individuals facing criminal charges or convictions.
Border Czar’s Role in Minnesota
Border Czar Tom Homan, appointed by President Donald Trump, is actively involved in these discussions. He arrived in Minnesota earlier this month and is set to address the new proposals at a press conference on Thursday. This will be his first public appearance since arriving in the state.
Key Details of the Proposed Guidelines
- The focus will shift to targeting immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
- Federal agents are advised to avoid engagement with “agitators.”
- Officers are instructed to seek local police help if protests escalate.
These changes may represent a significant departure from current ICE practices, which have included a broad approach to undocumented immigrants. Under previous strategies, ICE targeted a wide range of individuals, irrespective of their criminal history.
Ongoing Discussions and Considerations
The memo is still under review, and no final decisions have been made regarding its implementation. Officials emphasize that the guidance remains a topic of ongoing discussions among the White House, Homeland Security, and Minnesota stakeholders.
Homan has also engaged with local leaders, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, to shape future operational strategies. These conversations aim to recalibrate immigration enforcement amid rising tensions related to ICE’s presence in the state.
