Minneapolis – A large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, marked by mass detentions, protests, and the deaths of two U.S. Citizens, is drawing to a close, according to an announcement made on by Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s border czar.
“I have proposed and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan stated at a morning news conference held in Minneapolis. The decision marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement in the region, which had been heavily criticized by local officials and activists.
Operation Metro Surge, initiated in early December, involved the deployment of approximately 3,000 federal officers from both Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Homan revealed last week that roughly 700 officers had already begun to withdraw, a reduction of around 25% from the initial deployment. The remaining officers will be returned to their “home stations” or reassigned to other U.S. Cities, with the goal of returning staffing levels to those existing before the surge began – typically consisting of dozens of personnel.
The operation became increasingly fraught with tension following the shooting death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, on , by an ICE officer. Less than three weeks later, on , Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old critical care nurse, was fatally shot by two Border Patrol officers. Between these incidents, a federal officer shot another resident in the leg, further escalating tensions and sparking widespread outrage.
Homan attributed the decision to conclude the surge to increased cooperation from state and local law enforcement, as well as a perceived decrease in “unlawful agitator activity” across the state. He stated that more than 200 protesters had been arrested for various “violations” during the operation. However, the timing of the announcement comes after weeks of sustained criticism regarding the tactics employed by federal agents and the tragic loss of life.
The federal government had justified the surge as necessary to address what they described as impediments to enforcement caused by state and local “sanctuary laws and policies,” and to remove “criminal immigrants” from the streets. Homan asserted that the operation had been successful in achieving these goals, stating, “We’ve had great success with this operation, and we’re leaving Minnesota safer.”
Homan’s arrival in Minneapolis on followed the shooting incidents and a shake-up in leadership, with Greg Bovino, a Customs and Border Protection official whose statements had drawn criticism, being removed from the scene. Homan indicated that the sweeps conducted in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area had resulted in the arrest of over 4,000 individuals. While the Trump administration characterized those arrested as “dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” reports indicate that many detainees had no criminal records, including children and U.S. Citizens.
The drawdown coincides with a waning of protests in the streets, Homan noted. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed relief at the news, stating on social media that “a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation.” Frey added that the operation had been “catastrophic” for local businesses and residents, and expressed hope for a swift recovery.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz cautiously welcomed the announcement, stating he expected the federal government to follow through on Homan’s promise and that it was “well past time” for the additional officers to leave. He offered to assist in their departure, stating, “We will clear the roads to get you to the airport, I will come over and pack your damn bags, if that’s what it takes.”
The operation has also placed a strain on the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota, which has been handling a surge in immigration cases and prosecutions related to alleged interference with federal agents. Several federal attorneys have resigned in protest, with one reportedly describing the system as “sucking” and the job as equally undesirable, according to court transcripts.
The conclusion of Operation Metro Surge comes amid an ongoing battle over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Congress. Democrats have demanded significant restrictions on ICE’s enforcement activities, including requirements for judicial warrants, improved officer identification, revised use-of-force standards, and an end to racial profiling. Republicans have expressed support for body-worn cameras for DHS officers but have resisted many of the other Democratic demands, while also seeking provisions related to voter identification and stricter immigration enforcement measures.
The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have prompted scrutiny of the actions of federal agents and sparked a broader debate about the use of force and accountability within ICE and CBP. On Capitol Hill, Republican Senator Rand Paul questioned CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott about the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death, suggesting that the evidence did not support claims that Pretti was actively resisting arrest. Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Gary Peters criticized the absence of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from a recent congressional hearing and pressed Scott and acting ICE director Todd Lyons for an explanation as to why Noem had labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist.” A civil rights investigation into Pretti’s killing has been opened by the Justice Department, but no similar investigation has been launched into the death of Renee Good.
The deployment of federal agents to Minneapolis reflects a broader pattern of the Trump administration targeting cities with Democratic leadership and perceived lax immigration enforcement policies. The outcome of the DHS funding negotiations will likely have significant implications for the future of immigration enforcement across the United States.
