US Border Patrol Shifts Focus Away from Maine Amid Criticism of Minneapolis Operations
In a surprising move, the Trump administration has scrapped plans for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) surge in Maine, citing concerns over "chaotic operations" in Minneapolis. The decision comes on the heels of growing bipartisan pressure following a deadly incident involving ICE officers in Minnesota.
Maine Senator Susan Collins announced that ICE will be ending its "enhanced activities" in the state but will continue to conduct normal operations. Collins had previously met with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to urge her to reconsider ICE's approach to immigration enforcement in Maine.
Meanwhile, Tom Homan, the border czar, delivered a scathing critique of the Minneapolis operation during a press conference on Wednesday. Homan claimed that the federal government had "carried out this mission perfectly" but acknowledged that "certain improvements could and should be made." He vowed to stay in Minneapolis until the issue is resolved.
However, he also revealed plans to reduce the number of ICE agents in the city. The move comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to de-escalate tensions surrounding ICE operations. A recent internal memo directed officers to refrain from engaging with protesters and instead communicate through issuing commands only.
The Minneapolis operation has been marred by controversy, including the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and Nicole Good by ICE officers earlier this year. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading two prominent GOP senators to call for Homeland Security Secretary Noem's resignation. Senator Thom Tillis described her handling of the situation as "amateurish," calling for her immediate removal from office.
The decision to scale back ICE operations in Maine follows a pattern of criticism and pressure on the Trump administration to address concerns over immigration enforcement practices. With Homan's comments, it appears that the administration is taking steps to improve its approach and reduce tensions surrounding these operations.
In a surprising move, the Trump administration has scrapped plans for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) surge in Maine, citing concerns over "chaotic operations" in Minneapolis. The decision comes on the heels of growing bipartisan pressure following a deadly incident involving ICE officers in Minnesota.
Maine Senator Susan Collins announced that ICE will be ending its "enhanced activities" in the state but will continue to conduct normal operations. Collins had previously met with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to urge her to reconsider ICE's approach to immigration enforcement in Maine.
Meanwhile, Tom Homan, the border czar, delivered a scathing critique of the Minneapolis operation during a press conference on Wednesday. Homan claimed that the federal government had "carried out this mission perfectly" but acknowledged that "certain improvements could and should be made." He vowed to stay in Minneapolis until the issue is resolved.
However, he also revealed plans to reduce the number of ICE agents in the city. The move comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to de-escalate tensions surrounding ICE operations. A recent internal memo directed officers to refrain from engaging with protesters and instead communicate through issuing commands only.
The Minneapolis operation has been marred by controversy, including the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and Nicole Good by ICE officers earlier this year. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading two prominent GOP senators to call for Homeland Security Secretary Noem's resignation. Senator Thom Tillis described her handling of the situation as "amateurish," calling for her immediate removal from office.
The decision to scale back ICE operations in Maine follows a pattern of criticism and pressure on the Trump administration to address concerns over immigration enforcement practices. With Homan's comments, it appears that the administration is taking steps to improve its approach and reduce tensions surrounding these operations.