A massive immigration operation in Minnesota that led to thousands of arrests, mass protests and two fatal shootings is coming to an end, border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday, Feb. 12.
“As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a haven for criminals,” Homan said at a news conference in Minneapolis.
Homan added, “I have proposed and President Trump has agreed to end this surge operation,” noting that “significant drawdown has already taken place this week and will continue over the next week.”
Operation Metro Surge: Thousands arrested
On December 1, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched Operation Metro Surge targeting the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area.
Federal authorities said the operation led to the arrest of more than 4,000 people. The Trump administration has labeled the detainees “dangerous criminal illegal aliens.” However, reports indicate that many people without criminal records – including children and US citizens – were also detained during the checks.
Thousands of federal agents have been deployed in recent weeks in what officials have described as targeted missions against criminals.
Deadly shooting and public outrage
The operations sparked widespread protests across Minneapolis. Public anger grew after the fatal shootings of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, last month.
Homan took over the Minnesota operation in late January after the second shooting, amid growing political backlash and questions about how law enforcement was conducted.
Gradual drawdown of federal agents
Homan said last week that 700 federal officers would leave Minnesota immediately, although more than 2,000 remained stationed across the state.
On Thursday, Homan confirmed that a wider recall was underway.
“In the next week, we will deploy officers here on detail, back to their home stations or to other areas of the country where they are needed. But we will continue to enforce immigration law,” Homan said.
He also said he would remain in Minnesota to oversee the drawdown process.
Homan raised the possibility that agents could be reassigned, but did not specify where the operations might move next.
Political resistance and calls for reform
The immigration raids faced strong opposition from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other Democratic leaders in the state.
Opposition Democrats have called for sweeping reforms to ICE, including ending mobile patrols, banning agents from hiding their faces and requiring warrants for enforcement actions.
Federal agents, who often wear face masks and military-style camouflage, have drawn repeated protests from Minneapolis residents.
Immigration enforcement will continue elsewhere
While the surge operation is winding down in Minnesota, Homan made it clear that immigration enforcement efforts will continue elsewhere.
“But we will continue to enforce the immigration law,” he said, hinting that similar operations could be launched in other parts of the country.