Trump Withdraws 700 ICE Agents From Minnesota After Cooperation Deal
- Wednesday, February 4, 2026 – A reduction in the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in Minnesota is underway, contingent upon continued cooperation from state...
- Homan announced on Thursday that approximately 700 of the roughly 3,000 federal officers deployed in the state would be withdrawn “effective immediately.” He indicated that a more substantial...
- The planned reduction comes after the fatal shootings of two U.S.
Federal Agent Drawdown in Minnesota Tied to Local Cooperation
– A reduction in the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in Minnesota is underway, contingent upon continued cooperation from state and local officials, according to White House Border Czar Tom Homan.
Homan announced on Thursday that approximately 700 of the roughly 3,000 federal officers deployed in the state would be withdrawn “effective immediately.” He indicated that a more substantial drawdown is possible, but hinges on a cessation of interference with federal agents during arrests and the removal of roadblocks impeding operations.
The planned reduction comes after the fatal shootings of two U.S. Citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by ICE agents in Minneapolis, incidents that sparked protests and widespread outrage.
“Given this increase in unprecedented collaboration, and as a result of the need for less public safety officers to do this work and a safer environment, I am announcing, effective immediately, we’ll draw down 700 people effective today — 700 law enforcement personnel,” Homan said during a news conference.
This initial withdrawal would leave approximately 2,000 federal agents remaining in Minnesota. Homan emphasized that the ultimate extent of the drawdown depends on continued cooperation from local authorities, particularly regarding access to individuals in the United States illegally held in jails and prisons.
Homan has been in communication with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, as well as county sheriffs and other local officials. He believes that increased cooperation from these entities will streamline the process of identifying and detaining individuals subject to deportation, thereby reducing the need for a large federal presence on Minnesota streets.
“My main focus now is drawdown, based upon the great conversations I’ve had with your state and local leaders,” Homan stated. He added that the drawdown plan is also dependent on the number of remaining targets federal agents are seeking to locate.
Despite the planned reduction, Homan affirmed that federal operations would continue until “the problem’s gone.” He took over Operation Metro Surge from Gregory Bovino on Monday at the direction of President Trump.
Homan described the ICE operation in Minnesota as “very effective” as far as public safety is concerned, citing numerous arrests. He acknowledged that the operation wasn’t “perfect” but stated that a unified chain of command had been established to ensure adherence to procedures.
The Trump administration has consistently expressed frustration with what it terms “sanctuary jurisdictions” – localities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts – arguing that such policies hinder the arrest of individuals with criminal records.
However, President Trump appeared to contradict Homan’s announcement less than 12 hours after it was made, signaling a reluctance to fully pull back federal enforcement efforts in Minnesota.
The situation remains fluid, with the future of federal law enforcement presence in Minnesota directly tied to the level of cooperation received from state and local officials.