Tom Homan, appointed as Donald Trump’s ‘border czar,’ has been deployed to Minnesota amid growing demands for a comprehensive investigation into the shooting of Alex Pretti.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 23, when ICU nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent during ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the actions of the federal agents, stating they acted in self-defense. The DHS claimed that Pretti was armed with a handgun and resisted disarmament efforts.
However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara clarified that Pretti was a legal gun owner with a permit. Pretti’s family has firmly rejected the DHS allegations, asserting that he was holding a phone, not a gun, when he was shot.
Pretti’s parents expressed their dismay in a statement to Kare11, condemning the Trump administration for spreading ‘sickening lies.’
This incident has led to intensified calls for a thorough investigation into the shooting.
In response to the tension, Trump assigned Tom Homan, former director of ICE, to Minnesota. This decision, Trump claims, has the approval of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as noted in a Truth Social post.
But what does the role of a ‘border czar’ entail, and who exactly is Tom Homan?
Shortly after securing the presidency in the 2024 election, Trump announced Homan’s appointment to the role in his administration.
Explaining the position in a Truth Social post, Trump stated: “I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation’s Borders (“The Border Czar”), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security.”
He further commented: “I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders. Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”
The position of ‘border czar’ does not require Senate confirmation, allowing it to influence various governmental agencies to expedite decision-making. However, the absence of oversight makes it a contentious role.
Tom Homan’s career in law enforcement spans decades. He started as a New York state police officer before joining U.S. immigration authorities, where he served as a border patrol agent and supervisor.
In 2013, President Barack Obama appointed him to lead enforcement and removal operations at ICE. In 2017, Trump named him acting director of ICE, a role he held until his resignation in 2018 when the Senate failed to confirm him as the permanent director.
After leaving government service, Homan became a commentator for Fox News and worked with conservative policy groups.
Following the shooting of Renee Good earlier in January, Homan emphasized on CBS News the importance of not ‘pre-judging’ the facts. He praised ICE officers as ‘heroes’ and asserted their right to self-defense.
In late December 2025, President Trump dispatched approximately 2,000 ICE agents to Minneapolis. This action was reportedly a response to allegations of fraud involving Somalian residents.
On January 7, during an ICE raid in southern Minnesota, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good, a mother of three. Good’s vehicle was reportedly blocking ICE agents, and as she attempted to reverse, Ross shot her twice, resulting in her death at the scene.
The incident sparked protests in Minneapolis that same evening. Demonstrations are ongoing, and tensions remain high in the city.
On January 12, Minnesota filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Trump administration, seeking to halt the ICE agent surge. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that the immigration operations have caused ‘chaos and violence,’ disrupting lives.
On January 13, ICE agents were recorded dragging a disabled woman from her car in Minnesota City, just two blocks from where Good was shot. The woman pleaded, explaining she was trying to get to a doctor.
Reports indicate that ‘tear gas, flash bang grenades, and pepper balls were used against protesters during the stand-off.’
A Venezuelan man was shot in the leg by ICE officers on January 14 in what was described as a traffic stop. It’s alleged that the officer was attacked with a ‘snow shovel and broom handle,’ prompting the shooting. The man’s identity remains undisclosed.
Reacting to the protests, Trump threatened Minnesota with the Insurrection Act on January 15 via Truth Social, warning of action if state politicians fail to curb ‘agitators.’
As of January 18, 1,500 troops are on standby in Alaska, awaiting possible deployment to Minneapolis, though no orders have been issued.
Minnesota officials urge protesters to remain ‘peaceful’ and ‘orderly,’ following Mayor Jacob Frey’s demand for ICE to ‘get the f*ck out.’
Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, was tragically shot by Border Patrol Agents amidst citywide protests against Trump’s immigration policies. The 37-year-old was a U.S. citizen.