During a news conference on Wednesday, Border Czar Tom Homan has announced positive changes in tactics for immigration enforcement agents in the Minneapolis-St. Paul areas. I'd say they are positive changes.
First, focus will be on what are considered the "worst of the worst." He notes the recent arrest of 14 people with homicide convictions, 87 sex-offenders and 28 documented gang members. This is targeted enforcement as opposed to the sweeping raids under Gregory Bovino. The priority is what he calls "public safety risks."
Second, he acknowledged that state prisons and many county jails already do notify ICE of the impending release of an illegal immigrant. This corrects previous disinformation that prison officials refused to cooperate. There do remain some county jails who provide no cooperation, but they are under the control of county sheriffs, not state officials.
Third, Homan will draw down about 700 law enforcement from Minnesota. This should help, alleviate the perception that these federal law enforcement agents are an occupying force. He conceded that previous tactics have been "less than perfect."
Fourth, local police chiefs have agreed to respond to 911 calls for assistance when protests get out of hand.
Fifth, while acknowledging that people have every right to protest, observe and report official misconduct, protestors who interfere with and impede immigration arrests while be prosecuted. He noted the recent arrest of 158 people accused of impeding officers.
Sixth, he noted that all immigration enforcement in Minneapolis will wear body cams.
Overall, I am pleased with what he calls "smarter enforcement, not less enforcement."
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