Border czar Homan says officers have right to self-defense after fatal Minneapolis incident

President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan accused members of Congress of fueling threats and violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman after nearly being run over during an incident in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Speaking Wednesday during an interview on CBS Evening News, Homan declined to give an assessment of the shooting, saying he would not draw conclusions based on limited footage while an investigation is underway. He said that there are multiple videos and accounts still being reviewed.

Homan instead took aim at lawmakers who publicly labeled the killing a “murder,” saying that such language risks escalating hostility toward federal officers. He warned that the rhetoric could lead to more threats and violence against ICE personnel, and said critics should allow investigators to determine what occurred before assigning blame.

“I’m not going to comment on an ongoing investigation,” Homan said, adding that calling the incident a murder before facts are established is irresponsible and could have serious consequences.

In a post to X afterward, Homan said: "This interview was taped earlier today before I had the opportunity to see all the footage and learn the details of the incident. I do not comment before I have the facts. As I repeatedly have said, the brave men and women of ICE are heroes. Like all Americans, our officers have a right to self defense. Full stop."

The Department of Homeland Security described the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism, claiming the woman attempted to strike officers with her vehicle during an ICE operation. According to DHS, an officer fired after fearing his life and the safety of others at the scene.

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said ICE agents were conducting targeted operations when rioters allegedly blocked officers and one individual used her car as a weapon. She said the officer involved followed his training, fired defensively, and prevented further harm. The woman later died from her injuries, while injured officers are expected to recover.