Tom Homan, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, defended the agency's intensified operations in Minnesota, where officials estimate that a significant portion of the Somali migrant population may possess fraudulent immigration documentation. Homan asserted that the presence of illegal immigrants in Minneapolis does not pose a threat to lawful citizens, stating, "If you’re a US citizen, you have nothing to fear."

Homan indicated that the designation of Minneapolis as a sanctuary city necessitates a greater allocation of resources to enforce immigration laws. He emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to identify individuals within the community.

The scrutiny of the Somali community in Minnesota has escalated following a $1 billion fraud scandal involving claims of social services that were never provided. This scandal has led to numerous indictments, primarily affecting Somali immigrants. Homan's comments came in the context of President Donald Trump's recent criticisms of the Somali community, which he linked to the fraud allegations.

Stephen Miller, a senior advisor to Trump, suggested that the fraud operation represents a significant theft of taxpayer funds, claiming it could be the largest welfare fraud case in U.S. history. Homan dismissed concerns from critics who argue that the illegal immigrant population in Minnesota is overstated, maintaining that ICE's focus is on public safety threats while also detaining undocumented individuals encountered during operations.

The aggressive enforcement measures have drawn criticism from various quarters, including some Republicans who view the approach as excessively harsh. Homan responded to concerns about the potential for misidentification of U.S. citizens during enforcement actions, stating that proper procedures are in place to ensure that citizens are released once their status is confirmed.