Full Breakdown
SNL's Cold Open: Pete Davidson as Tom Homan Addresses ICE in Minneapolis
2/3/2026, 9:17:26 AM
Context of the Cold Open
On January 31, 2026, "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) aired its 1,000th episode, featuring a cold open that addressed the ongoing political turmoil surrounding immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. The sketch starred former cast member Pete Davidson, who returned to portray Tom Homan, the White House border czar. Homan was recently deployed by President Donald Trump to manage the escalating tensions following the controversial shootings of two individuals by federal agents in the city.
The Sketch Overview
In the cold open, Davidson's Homan attempted to instruct a group of confused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on their mission objectives. The agents displayed a lack of understanding regarding their roles, with responses ranging from "pass" to "this could be wrong, but Army?" when asked about their purpose in Minneapolis. Homan emphasized that their mission was to "detain and deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes," to which one agent replied, "That is literally the first I’m hearing of that."
Davidson's portrayal highlighted the absurdity of the situation, as Homan expressed frustration over the agents' ignorance and lack of training. The sketch also referenced the recent release of Jeffrey Epstein files, with Homan sarcastically noting that they were released to distract from the ICE operations, which were themselves a distraction from the Epstein files.
Key Themes and Critique
The sketch served as a critique of ICE's operational culture and the political environment surrounding immigration enforcement. Davidson's Homan pointed out the irony of being seen as the "upstanding, reasonable adult in the room," given his controversial past, including his role in the family separation policy and allegations of accepting bribes. The humor underscored the chaotic and often contradictory nature of the agency's directives.
As the sketch progressed, Homan asked the agents when they should use force, prompting one to answer "right away," to which Homan responded, "No, think of the opposite." This exchange further illustrated the confusion and lack of proper training among the agents. The sketch concluded with Homan urging the agents to "show some restraint" and do their jobs without violating anyone's rights, to which one agent bluntly replied, "No."
Official Responses and Reactions
The cold open received mixed reactions, with some praising its satirical take on the current immigration enforcement climate, while others criticized it for trivializing serious issues. Katie Miller, wife of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, expressed outrage over the sketch, labeling SNL as a platform for "woke corporate leftists." She argued that the portrayal of ICE agents was disrespectful and failed to acknowledge their role as "heroes."
Conclusion
SNL's cold open featuring Pete Davidson as Tom Homan effectively used humor to address the complexities and controversies surrounding ICE operations in Minneapolis. By highlighting the confusion and incompetence within the agency, the sketch not only entertained but also sparked discussions about the broader implications of immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration. The episode marked a significant moment in SNL's legacy, blending political satire with timely commentary on pressing social issues.
