ICE ends surge in Maine as border czar pledges to keep operation in Minnesota

ICE has ended its "Operation Catch of the Day" immigration enforcement surge in Maine, according to Senator Susan Collins, after detaining over 200 people in Portland and Lewiston. The operation, which targeted communities and led to concerns about detainees' removal odds, has seen a decrease in enforcement this week. This decision comes amid public criticism and potential funding stalls for the Department of Homeland Security. Meanwhile, despite the reassessment of activity nationwide, Donald Trump’s “border czar”, Tom Homan, has insisted that the much bigger operation in Minnesota would continue. Homan has assumed command of the nation’s most high-profile enforcement campaign.

In January 2026, White House "Border Czar" Tom Homan announced a change in immigration enforcement tactics for Minnesota. Federal immigration agents will now conduct targeted operations instead of broad, sweeping actions. This shift in strategy comes as Homan replaces Gregory Bovino as the head of operations in the state. Bovino, previously described as a "commander at large," is being replaced to implement the new, more focused approach to immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The reason for the change was not explicitly stated in the announcement.

White House border czar Tom Homan stated in Minneapolis on Thursday, January 29, 2026, that a reduction in immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota is possible, but only with cooperation from state officials. Homan's visit followed the fatal shooting of a protester by a federal immigration officer. He emphasized the need for local jails to notify ICE about individuals in their custody who are subject to deportation, arguing that transferring immigrants to ICE within the jail setting is safer and reduces the need for street operations. Homan also expressed "zero tolerance" for protesters who assault officers or impede their work. He indicated a potential shift towards "targeted operations" focused on apprehending immigrants with criminal records.

In January 2026, Tom Homan, President Trump's "border czar," announced a shift in immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota following the deaths of two US citizens at the hands of immigration officers. Homan indicated a willingness to cooperate with local officials who have opposed the administration's immigration policies. However, he largely blamed the Biden administration and local policies for the recent escalations, maintaining that the Trump administration would continue to target individuals deemed public safety or national security threats. Despite criticism of increasingly broad enforcement strategies, Homan insisted operations would be targeted. State and local law enforcement officials reported that many of their off-duty officers of color had been randomly stopped and asked for their papers.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court on Friday to explain why he shouldn't be held in contempt. Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz issued the order, citing the Trump administration's failure to comply with previous orders to hold bond hearings for detained immigrants. The judge criticized the administration's handling of these hearings, especially given the surge of ICE agents in Minnesota. This order follows President Trump's directive to Tom Homan to oversee immigration enforcement in Minnesota and a hearing on a request to halt the surge. The judge acknowledged the unusual nature of summoning a federal agency head but emphasized the extent of ICE's non-compliance with court orders.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court on Friday to explain why he shouldn't be held in contempt. Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz issued the order after claiming the Trump administration failed to comply with previous orders to hold hearings for detained immigrants. Schiltz criticized the administration's handling of bond hearings for detained immigrants in Minnesota. He stated the court had been patient despite the administration sending agents to detain immigrants without adequate provisions for the resulting legal challenges. The judge's order follows President Trump's actions regarding immigration enforcement.

Tom Homan, Donald Trump's "border tsar," has been deployed to Minneapolis to lead immigration enforcement after two US citizens were fatally shot by federal agents. Homan, a veteran of immigration policy across Republican and Democratic administrations, will serve as the main point of contact and meet with city officials. This deployment follows the expected departure of Gregory Bovino, the US border patrol chief, and some of his agents. Homan, who previously headed ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations under Obama, was brought out of retirement by the Trump administration to oversee border and immigration policy. As "border tsar," he will be a vocal defender of Trump's deportation goals.