Trump Ends Minnesota Immigration Crackdown: ICE Drawdown & Security Shift

Immigration Enforcement Operation Concludes in Minnesota After Weeks of Protest

Minneapolis, MN – February 12, 2026 – The Trump administration has announced the end of its large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” following weeks of widespread protests and two fatal shootings. The decision, announced Thursday by White House border czar Tom Homan, marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement in the state.

“I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan said at a news conference held at the Bishop Whipple Federal building in Minneapolis. He indicated that a “significant drawdown” of agents had already begun this week and would continue into the following week. The operation, which began in late November, involved the deployment of over 3,000 immigration agents to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

Homan attributed the decision to end the surge to improved cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. He stated that this collaboration allows for more immigration detentions to occur within jail facilities rather than through operations conducted on the streets. He also noted that local law enforcement agencies were responding more quickly and consistently to protests that arose during the operation.

“This surge operation and our work here with state and local officials to improve coordination and achieve mutual goals, as well as our efforts to address issues of concern here on the ground, have yielded the successful results we have came here for,” Homan said. “We are leaving Minnesota safer.”

The operation was met with fierce opposition from local officials and community groups from its inception. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey celebrated the announcement, stating, “They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation.” He further proclaimed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that “These patriots of Minneapolis are showing that it’s not just about resistance — standing with our neighbors is deeply American.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also welcomed the end of the crackdown, stating that the state could now “move forward.” However, he urged residents to remain vigilant in the coming days as immigration officers prepare to depart. Walz had previously characterized the operation as an “unnecessary, unwarranted and in many cases unconstitutional assault on our state.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had described Operation Metro Surge as its largest-ever immigration enforcement operation. According to DHS, approximately 4,000 people were arrested during the two-month period. However, the department did not provide a detailed breakdown of the charges or immigration statuses of those arrested.

The operation was shadowed by tragedy, as federal authorities shot and killed two U.S. Citizens during the crackdown, sparking outrage and fueling protests. Details surrounding the shootings remain under scrutiny.

Despite the drawdown, Homan emphasized that immigration enforcement would continue in Minnesota. “If you’re in this country illegally, you’re not off the table,” he stated. He indicated that a smaller force of ICE agents would remain in the state to address ongoing immigration violations. According to reports, roughly 150 federal immigration agents were present in Minneapolis before the surge began, and a reduced number will remain after the operation concludes.

The end of Operation Metro Surge comes as the Trump administration faces a looming shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The timing of the announcement has led to speculation about the administration’s priorities as it navigates potential budgetary constraints.