Trump–Walz Discussion; Bovino Reassigned, Homan Deployed; ICE Continues in Minnesota
Media propaganda led many to believe that Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino had been fired or had resigned, signaling that President Trump was backing down in Minnesota. Neither claim is true.
The Department of Homeland Security explicitly stated that Bovino has “NOT been relieved of his duties.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that he remains “a key part of the President’s team.” Bovino was reassigned, leaving Minneapolis and returning to his previous position as Chief of the El Centro Sector in California. Multiple sources confirm that he departed Minnesota between January 26 and 27.
Tom Homan has taken over Minnesota operations. President Trump announced that Homan would be reporting “directly to me,” and Homan deployed to Minnesota on January 26, 2026. The change represents a shift in command structure. Trump has stated that he considers Homan tougher and more experienced.
Much of the media misinformation stems from a conversation between Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on January 26. No transcript of the call exists, and no one knows exactly what was said. Both sides confirmed that the call occurred on Monday, January 26, and both characterized it as “productive” or “very good.” Trump stated that they “seemed to be on a similar wavelength.”
Media outlets and social media commentators have drawn inferences and made assumptions about the meaning of the call. However, the official statements from Trump and Walz differ significantly. Walz’s office made specific claims about what Trump allegedly agreed to, stating that Trump agreed to “look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota,” to “speak to the Department of Homeland Security about ensuring state investigators are able to conduct independent investigations,” and to work with Minnesota “in a more coordinated fashion on immigration enforcement regarding violent criminals.”
The language used is imprecise. “Look into” indicates consideration, not a commitment. “Speak to DHS about” reflects discussion, not direction. “More coordinated fashion” describes a vague process rather than a policy change. Trump has not confirmed these claims.
Where the media and social media are guilty of distortion is that even Walz did not claim Trump agreed to withdraw agents, end Operation Metro Surge, provide specific numbers or timelines, or grant state investigators immediate access.
The Minnesota National Guard deployment has been characterized by Walz as supporting local law enforcement rather than federal immigration enforcement operations, a framing that plays well with his constituents and left-leaning media, which have claimed that President Trump backed down. The reality, however, is that National Guard troops are now guarding ICE facilities.
The Guard is supporting local police by freeing them up to remain focused on policing the city and maintaining order during ICE operations. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt requested National Guard assistance at the Whipple Federal Building so that county deputies stationed there could be reassigned elsewhere.
The deployment was confirmed on January 24, 2026. The Whipple Federal Building serves as the base for ICE operations in the Twin Cities and houses the federal detention center. ICE agents operate out of this facility.
With security duties handed off to the National Guard, Hennepin County deputies and Minneapolis police have been freed to make arrests at protests and riots. On January 26, protesters gathered outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Maple Grove, where they believed Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was staying.
The protest began around 8 p.m. and was initially peaceful. Police declared the protest an unlawful assembly only after protesters allegedly threw objects at officers and property damage occurred. The violence made the activity no longer protected under the First Amendment.
Police issued a dispersal order. 26 individuals who did not leave were arrested. 13 were arrested for gross misdemeanor riot, 13 for misdemeanor unlawful assembly, and 2 face additional charges of obstructing legal process. One individual remains under investigation for property damage but fled. Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and Hennepin Public Order Group assisted Maple Grove Police. The Department of Homeland Security responded on X, stating “Glad to see some state and local government cooperation. It’s a start!”
ICE operations continue, and Operation Metro Surge remains active. If Minnesota does its part to maintain order, it is possible that President Trump could reduce the number of ICE officers while maintaining the same level of arrests and deportations.
Sadly, this entire situation was easily avoidable. Much of the recent chaos would not have occurred had the Biden administration not allowed up to 10 million illegal aliens into the country. Governor Tim Walz worsened the situation by allowing Minnesota to function as a de facto sanctuary state. That policy incentivizes illegal aliens to move from red states to blue states, necessitating increased ICE operations in those states.
Another issue ignored by Walz and much of the media is that the violence and chaos are being caused by protesters and rioters, not by ICE agents themselves. If Walz had instructed the public to leave ICE alone and directed law enforcement to maintain order, much of the violence could have been avoided.
In short, Trump won. Illegals are being arrested, the riots will likely dissipate, and investigations into fraud continue, preserving the possibility that public figures such as Tim Walz, Jacob Frey, and Ilhan Omar could face indictment.
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