Lamont Receives Unexpected Assurance from Trump on ICE Deployments

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont secured a surprising commitment from President Donald Trump regarding the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, during a meeting with bipartisan governors on February 20, 2026. The assurance came after Lamont directly questioned the President about the implications of federal agent surges in cities like Minneapolis.

Behind Closed Doors Discussion

The exchange occurred after President Trump asked reporters to leave the room at the start of the business meeting, stating a desire for “very candid” conversation and questions at the finish. This provided Lamont with an opportunity to address the President’s recent immigration crackdown and the deployment of federal agents.

Trump’s Commitment

Lamont pressed Trump on whether the tactics used at the border would be replicated in other cities, specifically referencing the impact of mass deportations on community relations. According to Lamont, Trump responded that ICE agents would not be deployed to cities without a direct request from local officials. “He said, ‘I’ll tell you what we learned. We’re not going to send ICE into any cities that don’t ask for it,’” Lamont recounted in an interview with the Connecticut Mirror.

White House Clarification

The White House clarified that Trump’s statement referred specifically to “public safety surges” similar to those seen in Memphis, New Orleans and Washington D.C. A White House official emphasized that ICE operations would continue nationwide to remove “dangerous criminal illegal aliens” from American communities. The administration had recently announced the conclusion of the surge in Minneapolis following the deaths of Renee Solid and Alex Pretti. [Source: CT Mirror]

Shift in Tone from Previous Meetings

Lamont, who also attended a White House meeting last year where Maine Governor Janet Mills clashed with Trump over transgender athlete policies, noted a significant difference in tone this year. “I think the tone this year was very different than last year,” he stated. Although acknowledging the potential for shifts in the President’s position, Lamont expressed confidence, “Based upon today, yes. Tomorrow’s another day, right?”

Broader Governor’s Meeting Context

Lamont was in Washington, D.C. For the National Governors Association’s winter meeting. He attended Friday’s meeting with President Trump but opted out of a planned dinner, following a decision by several Democratic governors to boycott the event after Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis were reportedly uninvited. [Source: Daily Voice] [Source: CT Insider]

Additional Meetings and Priorities

Beyond the meeting with President Trump, Lamont engaged in discussions with cabinet officials regarding electricity pricing and the future of the Revolution Wind project. He also met with Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, securing a rural health grant for Connecticut.