Homan Offers Praise For Minnesota’s Walz And Frey On Immigration Talks

White House Border Czar Tom Homan on Sunday offered up praise for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, saying the three have been able to work together to crack down on illegal immigration in the state.

Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union,” Homan said many have questioned his meetings with the two Democratic leaders but added that he believes, “You can't fix problems talking in an echo chamber; you got to talk to the people that you may disagree with."

“I’ve gotten agreements in Minnesota I never thought we'd be able to get,” Homan said. “And I got to give credit to the governor, we had a good conversation.”

Homan added that with Walz’s cooperation, the state prisons are now helping immigration officers, such as sharing information related to non-citizen incarcerated people.

“And Mayor Frey and me will never agree on much, but you know what? His officers did respond to take down illegal roadblocks that made it unsafe for not only the citizens of Minnesota, but our officers,” Homan continued.

Homan’s praise for the Minnesota leaders is a stark contrast to previous rhetoric from other administration officials, including President Donald Trump, in the wake of the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Trump had previously accused Frey of violating the law, while Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had accused both Walz and Frey of inciting violence in Minneapolis. She also said the two needed to “grow up."

Homan on Sunday addressed the difference between his and Noem’s approach, saying: “Do me and secretary Noem agree on everything? No, We have discussions and we have different opinions. That's what makes it a strong team. We bring different ideas to the table."

Homan, who was sent to Minneapolis following the killings of Good and Pretti and subsequent protests, announced on Friday a “significant drawdown” of federal agents in the city was underway, achieving a goal sought by Walz and Frey. He said the drawback indicated the administration’s immigration crackdown is working.