MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — President Donald Trump's "border czar," Tom Homan, addressed the media on Thursday following the deadly shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis.
Homan said federal agents will prioritize “public safety threats,” adding: “We are not surrendering the president’s mission.”
Watch full: Border czar Tom Homan addresses media in Minneapolis after deadly shootings involving federal agents
When asked if agents would still arrest migrants whose only alleged crime is being in the U.S. illegally, Homan would not rule it out.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey met Tuesday with Homan in an apparent effort to ease tensions following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by a federal officer.
Walz also called for a significant reduction in the number of federal officers conducting immigration enforcement in Minnesota. A court filing shows about 3,000 federal officers are currently participating in the operation.
Watch previous coverage: Locals hope leadership changes in Minnesota immigration operations will bring down the temperature
"The Governor and Homan agreed on the need for an ongoing dialogue and will continue working toward those goals," Walz's office said in a statement released earlier this week.
Frey said he explained the toll the operation is having on local police officers and reiterated his request that it end.
Tuesday’s meeting followed a phone calls on Monday between Walz, Frey and Trump. The leaders appeared to find areas of agreement, including Homan now leading the federal response in Minnesota.
Homan took over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown in Minneapolis following the departure of Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino.
Watch previous coverage: Border Patrol commander Bovino and some agents expected to leave Minneapolis
The Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale immigration enforcement operation, in December. The agency says it has made more than 3,000 arrests, including people described as murderers, rapists and gang members.
However, the deaths of Pretti and Renee Good, both U.S. citizens, have drawn criticism over the aggressive tactics used in the operation.
Trump was asked Tuesday whether Pretti’s death was justified. He deflected and said an investigation is underway.
