'We are not surrendering!' Donald Trump's border tsar won't pull Ice out of Minneapolis but makes tacit admission

The announcement came as Mr Homan outlined a shift towards what he termed "targeted enforcement activities," with federal agents focusing primarily on individuals deemed public safety threats.

"We are not surrendering the president's mission on immigration enforcement," he stated during the briefing.

He emphasised that the approach represents a continuation of longstanding practices: "We will conduct targeted enforcement operations. Targeted. What we've done for decades."

The border tsar was deployed to the Twin Cities earlier this week by Donald Trump following weeks of escalating tensions surrounding federal immigration operations in the city.

Mr Homan acknowledged that federal operations in Minneapolis have fallen short of expectations, conceding that the Ice mission "can be improved".

"What we have been working on is making this operation safer... by the book," he told reporters, pledging that changes already underway would enhance both safety and efficiency.

The border czar noted that his meetings with state and local officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, had been productive despite ongoing disagreements.

"I appreciate that they all acknowledge that we have immigration laws," Mr Homan said. "Ice is enforcing laws enacted by Congress."

The border chief directed sharp criticism at what he characterised as inflammatory language surrounding immigration enforcement, which he blamed for a rise in assaults on officers.

"We gotta stop the hateful rhetoric that has caused an increase in assaults," he declared, referencing ongoing protests and statements from Democratic politicians.

Mr Homan also announced a policy of "zero tolerance" for anyone who obstructs or attacks Ice and Customs and Border Protection personnel.

For those opposed to current enforcement practices, Mr Homan offered pointed advice: "If you don't like what Ice is doing, go protest Congress."

His remarks follow the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse killed during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Saturday.

The incident marked the second death involving federal agents in the city this month.

Mr Homan assumed control of Minnesota operations after Customs and Border Protection commander Greg Bovino was reassigned in the wake of Mr Pretti's death.

The border tsar indicated that the surge of enforcement officers deployed to the region could potentially be reduced as operations are refined.

Mr Homan revealed that discussions with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison had yielded a significant agreement on handling migrants held in county jails.

He described the agreement as "crucial to reducing the number of federal enforcement officers" currently stationed in the state.