Minneapolis – A large-scale federal immigration operation in Minnesota, dubbed Operation Metro Surge, is drawing to a close, according to an announcement made on , by Tom Homan, the White House border czar. The decision follows weeks of heightened enforcement activity, mass detentions, and significant public protest, including incidents resulting in two fatalities.
Homan, speaking at a news conference held at the Bishop Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, stated that President Donald Trump had concurred with his proposal to conclude the surge operation. A “significant drawdown” of federal immigration officers is already underway and will continue into the following week. While the bulk of the agents will be removed, Homan clarified that a small footprint
of personnel will remain in Minnesota for a period to facilitate the winding down of the mission and to monitor for any resurgence in what he termed agitator activity.
The operation, which began in December, focused on the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and resulted in the arrest of more than 4,000 individuals, according to federal authorities. Homan attributed the decision to end the surge to what he described as unprecedented levels of coordination
from state and local law enforcement, coupled with a notable decrease in unlawful agitator activity
across the state. He also noted that over 200 protesters had been arrested for various violations
.
The move comes after increasing pressure from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who publicly criticized the operation as an unnecessary, unwarranted and in many cases unconstitutional assault on our state
. Walz had indicated on that he anticipated the operation would end within days, based on conversations with senior Trump administration officials. He urged residents on to remain vigilant during the drawdown period.
The timing and manner of the operation sparked considerable controversy. The increased federal presence led to widespread fear within immigrant communities and fueled protests organized by activist groups and community organizations. The two deaths linked to the operation – details of which remain limited in official statements – further inflamed tensions. The incidents prompted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of federal agents.
Homan, however, defended the operation as a necessary step to address public safety threats. He emphasized that the arrests made during Operation Metro Surge targeted individuals deemed to pose a risk to the community. He stated that the agents drawn down from Minnesota would be reassigned to other locations to continue efforts to remove individuals considered a public safety risk
and to bolster border security, fulfilling President Trump’s stated policy objectives.
The conclusion of Operation Metro Surge marks a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The operation represented a particularly aggressive strategy, deploying a large number of agents into the state and focusing on interior enforcement rather than border control. The decision to scale back the operation suggests a recalibration of tactics, potentially in response to political pressure and logistical challenges.
Governor Walz acknowledged the long road to recovery ahead, stating that the impact on the state’s economy, schools, and communities would not be quickly reversed. He emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address the damage caused by the operation and to rebuild trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued a statement following Homan’s announcement, expressing resilience in the face of the federal intervention. He stated that They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation.
The drawdown of federal agents is expected to be completed over the course of the next week, with a small contingent remaining to oversee the transition and monitor for any renewed unrest. The long-term implications of Operation Metro Surge for immigration enforcement policy in Minnesota and across the United States remain to be seen. The operation has highlighted the complex interplay between federal authority, state rights, and local community concerns in the ongoing debate over immigration reform.
