Federal Immigration Surge in Minnesota to End
Minneapolis, MN – – The Trump administration is concluding its months-long surge of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced today.
Speaking at a press conference in Minneapolis, Homan stated that President Donald Trump has agreed to the drawdown, citing a “big change” in the situation over the past few weeks. He indicated that the number of enforcement targets in the Twin Cities region has been “greatly reduced” following the influx of thousands of officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Last week, Homan had already announced a pullback of 700 agents, representing roughly 25% of the force deployed since December. Today’s announcement signals a further withdrawal, with the process expected to continue over the next week. While the majority of agents will be leaving, Homan stated that a “small footprint” of personnel will remain to oversee the transition of command back to the local ICE field office and to monitor for any resurgence in “agitator activity.”
The decision to end “Operation Metro Surge” comes less than three weeks after Trump deployed Homan to Minnesota to lead the deportation mission, replacing a previous Border Patrol commander. This change in leadership followed the deaths of two U.S. Citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal agents in separate incidents in January. These shootings dramatically escalated tensions surrounding the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts and sparked widespread protests.
The killings inflamed public opinion and led to increased scrutiny of ICE’s tactics. Homan acknowledged “some issues” but insisted they have been addressed. He maintained that the operation had been successful in arresting individuals deemed public safety threats and other priority targets.
“We’ve had great success with this operation, and we’re leaving Minnesota safer,” Homan said.
However, the federal actions faced sharp criticism from Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison, who testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Thursday. Ellison argued that the surge was contributing to violent crime, stating that two of the three homicides committed in Minneapolis this year involved federal immigration agents.
Homan, while acknowledging the concerns, emphasized that the Trump administration’s commitment to removing undocumented immigrants remains firm. “For those who say we are backing down from immigration enforcement or the promise of mass deportations, you are simply wrong,” he stated.
Notably, Homan praised Minnesota’s Democratic leaders, including Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Attorney General Ellison, for their cooperation with federal efforts despite their political differences. This acknowledgment came even as Ellison was publicly criticizing the operation in Washington D.C.
The conclusion of the surge operation marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement in Minnesota, though officials maintain that broader efforts to enforce immigration laws will continue.
