Trump Tries to Strike Deals with Minnesota, Threatens ICE Drawdown

Donald Trump is attempting to pressure Minnesota Governor Tim Walz into making deals that would allegedly result in a drawdown of federal ICE agents. The terms of the potential agreement are unclear, but it may require Minnesota to cooperate with ICE roundups and give federal agents increased access to state facilities.

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In recent days, reports have emerged that the Trump administration is seeking to make deals with various states, including Minnesota, to secure cooperation from local law enforcement in immigration enforcement efforts. The exact nature of these proposed agreements remains vague, but the potential consequences for Minnesota and other states are significant.

According to an opinion piece by Claire Finkelstein published in The Washington Post, Minnesota should not yield to Trump's demands. Finkelstein argues that the rights of 49 other states and their citizens are at stake, and that Minnesota should stand firm against the president's pressure.

Tom Homan, the border czar, hinted at the negotiations during a Thursday morning interview on PBS NewsHour. Homan suggested that a drawdown of federal ICE agents could occur in Minnesota following an agreement between the state and the federal government. The specifics of this agreement, however, are unclear.

Sources indicate that the deal could include Minnesota agreeing to participate in ICE roundups by turning over undocumented immigrants in its custody, ending various "sanctuary city" protections, and granting ICE agents more direct access to state penitentiaries to conduct their own roundups prior to the release of undocumented inmates. Additionally, a letter from Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, sent earlier this week, suggested that the justice department's civil rights division might be demanding access to state voter rolls in exchange for the ICE drawdown.

Trump's offhand remark Thursday evening denying plans to draw down ICE seemingly contradicts these reports. However, the uncertainty surrounding the situation underscores the potential risks to states that may be targeted for negotiations.

The proposed agreements could set a dangerous precedent, allowing the federal government to exert undue influence on state policies and potentially violate the privacy and civil liberties of citizens. It is crucial for states to carefully consider the potential consequences of any deals with the Trump administration and to stand firm against any attempts to infringe on their sovereignty and the rights of their citizens.

Sources:

• Finkelstein, C. (2026, January 29). Trump is pressuring Minnesota to make a deal with the devil. They should stand firm. The Washington Post.
• PBS NewsHour. (2026, January 28). Watch: Border czar Homan says federal forces will be drawn down in Minnesota only after cooperation.
• The New York Times. (2026, January 24). Pam Bondi’s Letter to Governor Walz.
• Yahoo News. (2026, January 28). Trump denies federal agents drawing down in Minnesota, but ICE officials tell different story.
• Washington Post. (2026, January 29). Trump administration reportedly seeks access to Minnesota voter rolls in exchange for ICE drawdown.