In a February 15, 2026 interview on “Face the Nation,” White House border czar Tom Homan fielded questions about the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, the ongoing “Metro Surge” operation in Minnesota, and the policy demands raised by Democrats in Congress.
Key points from the interview
Homan said he is not involved in the congressional negotiations over proposals that would require ICE agents to show identification, wear body‑camera footage, remove face masks, stop alleged racial profiling, and obtain judicial warrants before entering private property. He asserted that “racial profiling … is not occurring” and that agents already wear placards identifying their agency.
The border czar highlighted a dramatic rise in threats against ICE officers—“assaults up over 1,500 % and threats up over 8,000 %”—as the reason agents wear masks. He suggested that legislation could be considered to criminalize doxxing of agents.
Regarding warrants, Homan explained that the Immigration Nationality Act gives ICE the authority to use administrative warrants, and that any change would require congressional action.
On the “Metro Surge” in Minnesota, Homan reported that ICE has already removed “well over 1,000 people” and expects to remove “several hundred more” in the coming days. He said the operation will revert to its “original footprint,” with a small security force (RFQs) remaining to protect agents when needed.
Homan described the Minnesota deployment as the largest in ICE history and said future deployments will depend on the “situation on the ground,” especially in sanctuary cities where criminal targets are identified.
When asked about recent incidents involving ICE officers, Homan said each case has been turned over to internal affairs and is also under FBI investigation, emphasizing that “people will be held accountable.”
Addressing reports of friction with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and adviser Corey Lewandowski, Homan portrayed the administration as “one team, one fight,” noting that disagreements are discussed in daily multi‑agency calls and ultimately resolved.
Why this matters
The interview spotlights a clash between congressional reform proposals and the administration’s defense of current enforcement tools. Homan’s emphasis on the surge in threats against agents and the use of administrative warrants underscores the legal and safety arguments the White House is using to justify its policies.
The winding down of Metro Surge signals a shift from a heavy‑handed presence to a more limited, targeted approach, but Homan warned that future surges could return if “sanctuary cities” present “public safety threats.” This leaves open the possibility of renewed large‑scale deployments.
Internal investigations of recent ICE incidents, combined with external FBI scrutiny, could affect public confidence in the agency and influence future oversight or legislative actions.
What could happen next
- Congress may consider amending the Immigration Nationality Act to require judicial warrants, which Homan indicated would change ICE’s current authority.
- If threats against agents continue to rise, the administration could maintain or re‑introduce mask requirements and other protective measures.
- Further internal affairs and FBI investigations could lead to disciplinary actions, influencing ICE’s operational protocols.
- Sanctuary‑city disputes may prompt additional, situation‑driven deployments similar to the Minnesota surge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What policy changes are Democrats asking for regarding ICE agents?
Democrats are seeking requirements that ICE agents show identification, wear body cameras, remove face masks, stop racial profiling, and obtain judicial warrants before entering private property.
What is the current status of the Metro Surge operation in Minnesota?
Homan said ICE has removed “well over 1,000 people” and expects to remove “several hundred more” before scaling back to its original footprint, leaving a small security force to respond to public‑safety threats.
Does Homan acknowledge that racial profiling occurs within ICE?
Homan stated that “racial profiling … is not occurring” and that agents detain and question individuals based on reasonable suspicion, not race.
How do you consider these enforcement policies will shape the national conversation on immigration in the coming months?
