White House Border Czar Tom Homan held a press conference Thursday morning, announcing that the Trump administration is ending its aggressive immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.

Homan stated that he proposed ending the operation and that President Donald Trump has agreed.

“I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan told reporters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling.

.@RealTomHoman in MN: “With that success that has been made arresting public safety threats and… unprecedented levels of coordination we have obtained from state officials & local law enforcement, I have proposed, and @POTUS has concurred, that this surge operation conclude.” pic.twitter.com/arbE90D2s1

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 12, 2026

Operation Metro Surge began on December 1 and deployed approximately 3,000 federal immigration agents to the Twin Cities area.

The operation resulted in thousands of arrests and, according to Homan, “major successes.”

“As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals,” Homan said. “The Twin Cities and Minnesota in general will continue to be much safer for the communities here because of what we have accomplished under President Trump’s leadership.”

Homan said that the operation “yielded the successful results we came here for,” citing improved cooperation with local law enforcement, a reduction in unlawful agitator activity, and the removal of public safety threats.

.@RealTomHoman in Minnesota: “We now have the ability to arrest criminal aliens in the safety and security of jails throughout the state at the time they’re being released… I’ve also directed the strategic placement of officers in certain areas throughout the state that can… pic.twitter.com/vZNyxB1dwA

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 12, 2026

Homan explained, “We now have the ability to arrest criminal aliens in the safety and security of jails throughout the state at the time they’re being released… I’ve also directed the strategic placement of officers in certain areas throughout the state that can respond quickly to sheriffs that want to release somebody.”

A significant drawdown of agents is already underway this week and will continue into next week. Homan said he will remain on the ground “for a little longer” to ensure a smooth transition.

The announcement comes after more than two months of daily protests outside the federal building, where demonstrators clashed with agents and demanded an immediate end to the operation.

“For those that say we are backing down from immigration enforcement or the promise of mass deportations, you are simply wrong… prioritizing public safety threats and national security threats doesn’t mean we’re forgetting about everybody else,” Homan claimed.

.@RealTomHoman: “For those that say we are backing down from immigration enforcement or the promise of mass deportations, you are simply wrong… prioritizing public safety threats and national security threats doesn’t mean we’re forgetting about everybody else.” pic.twitter.com/uT3Om3tck4

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 12, 2026

Democrat Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey had both met with Homan recently and expressed hopes for a quick wind-down.

The operation drew national attention after two leftist anti-ICE agitators, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, and Renee Good, also 37, were fatally shot in two separate incidents during enforcement actions in January.

Those incidents led to louder calls from Democrats to end ICE operations.

Watch the full press conference here:

The post WATCH: Border Czar Tom Homan Announces End to Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, After Weeks of Violent Leftist Protests appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

In a move slammed by the Department of Homeland Security as a “lawless abomination,” a federal judge appointed by Barack Obama has ordered the immediate release of four criminal illegal aliens, three convicted murderers, and a pedophile, from ICE detention at Louisiana’s Angola Prison.

U.S. District Judge John deGravelles ordered the release of the four men from the newly expanded ICE facility known as “Camp 57” or the “Louisiana Lockup” last week.

The men were being held pending removal after ICE re-detained them as part of the Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement of immigration laws.

The four illegal aliens released are:

• Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, from Ethiopia — convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was released into the United States by the Biden administration and had a final order of removal issued on September 5, 2024.

• Luis Gaston-Sanchez, from Cuba — convicted of homicide, assault, resisting an officer, concealing stolen property, and two counts of robbery. Final removal order issued September 24, 2001.

• Ricardo Blanco Chomat, from Cuba — convicted of homicide, kidnapping, aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary, robbery, larceny, and selling cocaine. Final removal order issued March 27, 2002.

• Francisco Rodriguez-Romero, from Cuba — convicted of homicide and a weapons offense. Final removal order issued May 30, 1995.

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin blasted the ruling in a press release from DHS.

“Judge John deGravelles, appointed by Barack Obama, released FOUR violent criminals back onto American communities, and unfortunately, the ramifications will only be the continued rape, murder, assault, and robbery of more American victims,” said McLaughlin.

McLaughlin continued, “Releasing these monsters is inexcusably reckless. President Trump and Secretary Noem are now enforcing the law and arresting illegal aliens who have no right to be in our country. We are applying the law as written. If an immigration judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period.”

The release comes despite all four having final deportation orders.

The men had been held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) under a September partnership between DHS and the state to expand detention space specifically for criminal illegal aliens.

DHS emphasized that the agency is working “rapidly and overtime” to remove criminal illegal aliens from the country, even as activist judges continue to interfere.

The four men were released from custody shortly after the judge’s order and are now roaming American streets.

The post Activist Obama-Appointed Judge Orders Release of Three Convicted Murderers and Child Sex Predator Illegal Aliens from ICE Custody in Louisiana, DHS Calls it ‘LAWLESS ABOMINATION’ appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Will European countries finally start protecting their borders?

Yesterday, the Italian cabinet led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni approved a bill authorizing ‘naval blockades’ to halt the invasion of migrant boats.

The measure would be implemented during periods of ‘exceptional border pressure’.

This tightening of measures against irregular arrivals reinforces Meloni’s moves to speed up repatriations of ‘unsuccessful asylum seekers’ (a.k.a. illegal migrants) and introduced stiffer jail terms for human smugglers.

Italy, Lampedusa now. Look, they are only men! In the last few hours, 25 boats have arrived with 1,500 illegal immigrants. In 9 months Giorgia Meloni has allowed over 105,000 illegal immigrants to invade Italy, 400 every day! A real apocalypse. Stop the invasion, save Europe! pic.twitter.com/IsGuhbSJAI

— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) June 25, 2023

Reuters reported:

“The move comes after the European Parliament this week approved changes to EU asylum rules, responding to pressure from member states including Italy for a tougher approach.

Under a draft of the legislation seen by Reuters, the government could ban boats from entering its territorial waters for up to six months ‘in cases of serious threat to public order or national security’.”

In the last 24 hours 28 boats with 2500 illegal immigrants have invaded Italy. Another 500,000 are on the way. pic.twitter.com/LH0nAqHBV7

— Project TABS (@ProjectTabs) July 2, 2023

“Those breaching it would face fines of up to 50,000 euros (60,000) and in case of repeated violations have their boats confiscated — a measure aimed at charity rescue ships.”

Wow Meloni goes hardcore in Italy by using the Navy to block migrant boats from landing.

Proposed legislation was agreed by ministers yesterday.

She isn’t bowing to the pressure of the UN or the ECHR, she’s protecting Italy and delivering her election promise. pic.twitter.com/E6c4aeFnRL

— Bernie (@Artemisfornow) February 12, 2026

Meloni’s coalition says that humanitarian groups’ boats are an incentive for migrants to put to sea.

“Under the rules passed by EU lawmakers on Tuesday, member countries may reject an asylum application if the person could have received protection in a country the bloc considers safe. The European Parliament approved a list of countries to which failed asylum seekers could be returned.”

Italy’s Giorgia Meloni:
We have approved a new measure to strengthen the fight against illegal migration and human traffickers. In case of exceptional migration fluxes like the one Italy is living, military ships will block the boats and escort them back.pic.twitter.com/8M83bbvSUE

— Omne Europa (@neolatyno) February 12, 2026

Read more:

HUGE: European Parliament Approves New Immigration Rules Allowing EU Countries To Send Illegals to Offshore Migrant Centers

The post After EU Parliament Changes Asylum Rules, Meloni’s Italy Approves Law Authorizing Naval Blockades Against Migrant Boats appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

“There is only one reason why Democrats are opposed to voter ID requirements,” Representative Randy Fine (R-FL) told Congress. “They want to cheat.”

Representative Fine has been a vocal proponent of tightening voter-identification and registration requirements at the federal level, linking voter-ID laws to broader themes of national security and border control. In an official House issue brief, he wrote, “The Biden Administration’s reckless open-border policies have invited an invasion of foreign criminals that put American lives at risk.”

He is a co-sponsor of H.R. 22, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (2025), which was introduced early in the 119th Congress and passed the House in April 2025. The legislation amends the NVRA to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote in federal elections, eliminating the current “honor system” under which applicants simply check a box affirming citizenship.

Fine told Congress that the bill would clean up elections and restore public confidence ahead of November. He said he sometimes feels like he is “in the twilight zone” listening to opponents claim “that the world is going to end,” when in reality, the bill “does two and only two things.” He added that Florida already requires voter ID, saying, “And our elections are fine.”

He explained that the first provision requires voters to show a photo ID in order to vote, something he said Americans overwhelmingly support because identification is required “in every aspect of our lives.” The second provision requires proof of citizenship to register.

Addressing criticism of the bill, Fine said opponents argue it is somehow racist to impose such requirements. He rejected that claim forcefully, stating that it is “racist to imply that minority communities somehow don’t have the ability to go and get a photo ID, somehow don’t have documentation to prove that they’re an American.” He said he has spoken with his constituents about the accusation and that they are appalled that anyone would make such a claim.

Representative Fine concluded that there is nothing more important than ensuring Americans are confident in elections and their outcomes, especially given the heated rhetoric surrounding them. He then posed the question of why Democrats oppose the measure and answered it directly: “There’s one simple reason. They want to cheat.”

Beyond voter ID, Representative Fine has made illegal immigration and the restriction of benefits to non-citizens central pillars of his first term in Congress. His position reflects what he calls a “citizens first” philosophy and closely aligns with the policies of the Trump administration.

On taxpayer-funded benefits, Fine stated in a December 20, 2025 press release, “Americans are being robbed. Somalians, illegals, and even legal immigrants are getting free handouts at the expense of American taxpayers. That is insane, it is immoral, and it must stop.” He has repeatedly described spending on non-citizens as a “robbery” of American taxpayers, particularly in the context of the growing national debt.

In a public statement on the No Welfare for Non-Citizens Act, Representative Fine said, “Hardworking Americans should not be paying for non-citizens’ healthcare, free housing, food stamps, Medicaid, or anything else for that matter. Citizens come first. Period. If you want free stuff, then you need to go home.”

H.R. 6854, the No Welfare for Non-Citizens Act, introduced in December 2025, is his flagship legislation on the issue. The bill seeks to end federal welfare eligibility for all non-citizens and eliminate what he calls “loopholes” that allow access to programs such as Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, and public housing.

In support of ICE, H.R. 4226 would impose criminal penalties on anyone who interferes with immigration-enforcement operations, which Fine has characterized as “aiding and abetting” criminal aliens.

He is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 273, the REMAIN in Mexico Act of 2025, which would codify the policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed. Additionally, he co-sponsored the Voting Only Through English (VOTE) Act, which would require ballots to be printed only in English as a condition of receiving federal funding.

Following ICE operations in August 2025, Fine stated, “I was proud to stand with our brave ICE agents taking illegal aliens off our streets. These illegal aliens have no place in America, and we’re finally putting an end to the Democrat-enabled invasion of our nation.”

The post Representative Randy Fine on Voter ID: “They Want to Cheat!” appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has been elected Vice-Chair of the United Nations Commission for Social Development for its 2027 session, a key leadership role on a body that helps set global policy on poverty reduction, employment, inequality, social protection, and welfare.

While the mullahs in Tehran are busy crushing the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement and acting as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, the U.N. thinks they are the perfect candidates to help lead global efforts on poverty, inequality, and social welfare.

On Tuesday, the Commission concluded its 64th session in New York by electing its new “Bureau” for 2027. Amid the usual bureaucratic back-patting, it was announced that Abbas Tajik, representing the Iranian regime, would serve as Vice-Chair.

According to the UN:

The Commission then concluded its sixty-fourth session and opened its sixty-fifth to elect its new office-bearers, in accordance with the principle of equitable geographical rotation among the five regional groups.  Stefano Guerra (Portugal) was elected as Chair, while Abbas Tajik (Iran) and Shahriyar Hajiyev (Azerbaijan) were elected as Vice-Chairs.  The Commission postponed the elections of the remaining members of the Bureau — from the Group of African States and the Group of Latin America and Caribbean States — to a later date.

Breaking: Iran has been elected Vice-Chair of the U.N. Commission for Social Development, giving Tehran a leadership role in shaping global policies on poverty, inequality, employment, and social protection for the 2027 session. pic.twitter.com/UQ2ACxInUV

— The Middle East (@A_M_R_M1) February 11, 2026

Under the U.N.’s decision, Tehran, a regime notorious for brutal human-rights abuses, repression of women and minorities, and support for regional terror proxies, will now help steer the Commission’s work on some of the world’s most sensitive socioeconomic issues.

The Commission for Social Development, a subsidiary of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is tasked with “promoting higher standards of living, full employment and conditions of economic and social progress and development.” Its agenda directly addresses global poverty, job creation, and welfare systems.

Participation in leadership positions such as vice-chair gives member states influence over recommendations and policy themes that impact billions of lives around the world.

Related story:

REPORT: Somalia’s UN Ambassador, Who Previously Oversaw Medicaid, Also Served as CEO at a Company Reportedly Placed on a Federal Fraud Exclusion List and Banned from Receiving Medicaid Funds

The post Iran Secures Powerful Vice-Chair Role on Globalist U.N. Social Development Commission — Tehran Now Poised to Influence Global Policy on Poverty, Inequality, Jobs, and Welfare for 2027 Session appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.