The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode Title: Here Comes Homan! Border Czar sent to Minnesota’s Civil‑War
Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)
Episode Overview
This episode centers on the Trump administration’s decisive response to the civil unrest and rising crime in Minnesota, with a focus on immigration enforcement. The main topic is President Donald Trump’s decision to send Tom Homan, former ICE Director and now the administration's “Border Czar,” to Minnesota to coordinate federal and local efforts against criminal activity linked to illegal immigration and alleged welfare fraud. The episode presents commentary on Trump’s approach, policy statements, and reactions from administration supporters, emphasizing themes of law and order, immigration control, and federal-state cooperation.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Appointment of Tom Homan as “Border Czar” in Minnesota
- Background:
- Tom Homan, a seasoned law enforcement and ICE official, has been tasked with leading the federal response in Minnesota.
- Homan’s role is to facilitate cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement to arrest and deport criminal illegal immigrants.
- His appointment is seen as a strategic move to bring operational expertise to a volatile situation.
- Key Quote:
- “Tom is exactly the right person. He is also a career law enforcement. He's an operator. He knows exactly what needs to be done… ICE is there to arrest criminal illegal aliens and it's better to do that with local law enforcement.” ([01:06] Commentator)
2. President Trump’s Involvement & Messaging
- White House Statements:
- President Trump had a productive call with Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz, agreeing on the need for cooperation to end unrest.
- Trump is sending Tom Homan to facilitate efforts and expects local authorities to hand over criminal illegal immigrants.
- He highlights past successes in other cities (D.C., Memphis, New Orleans) as models ([02:55] News Anchor).
- Trump emphasizes that federal efforts in Minnesota are aimed at enforcing existing laws, not introducing new measures.
- Focus on Law and Order:
- Trump stresses the need for “law and order, not anarchy and chaos,” criticizing the state’s current leadership for allowing disorder.
- Welfare Fraud & Political Accusations:
- Trump links organized protests to a “$20 billion plus” welfare fraud in Minnesota.
- He calls for investigations into Representative Ilhan Omar, alleging significant personal wealth increases under suspicious circumstances.
3. Outline of Federal Plan for Minnesota
- Administration’s Three-Part Proposal:
- 1) All state/local officials must turn over criminal illegal aliens in custody, as well as those with active warrants or known criminal histories, to federal authorities for immediate deportation.
- 2) State and local law enforcement should commit to collaborating with federal agencies in turning over any arrested illegal aliens.
- 3) Local police must help federal law enforcement detain illegal aliens wanted for crimes, especially violent offenses.
- White House Justification:
- These steps are portrayed as in line with existing law and routine practice in “hundreds of other cities.”
- If local-federal cooperation happens, there is “no need” for Customs and Border Protection to intervene.
4. Push to End Sanctuary Cities
- Trump and administration officials urge Congress to pass legislation that eliminates sanctuary city policies, arguing these jurisdictions endanger citizens by shielding criminal illegal immigrants.
5. Public Support and Political Framing
- The administration cites polling data:
- “More than 80% of Americans favor deporting illegal aliens convicted of violent crimes.”
- The hosts and commentators assert that the recent election was a mandate for Trump’s border and law enforcement policies, and decry “biased media coverage” for downplaying public consensus.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Tom Homan’s Appointment:
- “If Tom Homan can get local law enforcement involved in assisting ICE … I think that's a win.” ([01:06] Commentator)
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President Trump’s Statement (as quoted by host):
- “Governor Tim Walz called me with a request to work together with respect to Minnesota. It was a very good call … I told Governor Walz that I would have Tom Homan call him and that what we're looking for are any and all criminals that they have in their possession.” ([02:23] Ben Ferguson reading Trump statement)
- “We have such tremendous success in Washington, D.C., Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans … crime is way down. But both Governor Waltz and I want to make it better.” ([02:44] Ben Ferguson reading Trump statement)
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On Deportation Policy:
- “Local police must assist federal law enforcement in apprehending and detaining illegal aliens who are wanted for crimes, especially violent crimes.” ([05:14] Trump Supporter/Commentator)
- “A country unable to deport criminals who enter it illegally is no country at all.” ([06:57] Trump Supporter/Commentator)
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On Sanctuary Cities:
- “American cities should be safe sanctuaries for law abiding citizens only, not for dangerous illegal alien criminals who broke our nation's laws and do not belong here.” ([06:19] Trump Supporter/Commentator)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [01:06] - Analysis of Tom Homan’s appointment as Border Czar
- [01:40] - News update: Trump’s call with Minnesota Governor; federal-local cooperation
- [02:23–04:06] - President Trump’s direct statements relayed by hosts, outlining his intentions
- [04:53–06:58] - Caroline Levitt (Trump campaign) lays out the official White House three-point plan and rationale
- [07:50–11:29] - Extended host and commentator analysis on the law enforcement strategy, focus on sanctuary cities, public support, and Trump’s commitment
Episode Takeaways
- President Trump is directly intervening in Minnesota’s civil unrest, primarily through law enforcement cooperation and strict immigration policy.
- Tom Homan is seen as a pivotal leader to enact the administration’s aggressive approach to deporting criminal illegal aliens and restoring order.
- The episode is highly critical of Democratic leadership in Minnesota, linking failed policies to crime, fraud, and unrest.
- The discussion repeatedly emphasizes Trump’s actions as both legal and popularly supported, positioning federal-local law enforcement partnership as the key to public safety.
For listeners who missed the episode:
This update covers the Trump administration's decisive immigration and crime strategy for Minnesota, using a well-known “Border Czar,” and details the administration’s calls for an end to sanctuary cities—delivering the show’s signature direct, pro-Trump commentary throughout.
