In brief
Federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota is set to conclude following a crackdown that saw over 4,000 arrests, sparking protests and political backlash. While officials assert that the operation made Minneapolis safer, concerns remain about the impact on innocent individuals, including U.S. citizens. Governor Tim Walz expects federal officers to withdraw shortly, although many will remain in the area amid ongoing discussions about immigration policy.
Minneapolis (AP) — The immigration crackdown in Minnesota that led to mass detentions, protests, and two deaths is coming to an end, border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday.
Democratic Governor Tim Walz indicated earlier this week that he expected Operation Metro Surge, which began in December, to conclude in days, not weeks and months after discussions with senior officials of the Trump administration.
Homan stated, As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals, adding that both he and President Trump proposed ending the surge operation.
Federal authorities reported that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area led to over 4,000 arrests. While such detainees are labeled as dangerous criminal illegal aliens, many included individuals without criminal records, including children and U.S. citizens.
Homan emphasized, The surge is leaving Minneapolis safer... it’s less of a sanctuary state for criminals. He announced that 700 federal officers would leave Minnesota immediately, though over 2,000 would still remain. The withdrawal began this week and would be finalized in the upcoming days, according to Homan.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey noted a positive meeting with Homan, exploring possibilities for further reducing the number of federal officers in the area.
Homan took charge of the Minnesota operation in late January following scrutiny and the second fatal shooting by federal immigration agents that triggered political backlash. Governor Walz expressed skepticism and urged continued monitoring, as he described the situation as an ongoing “occupation” and “retribution campaign” against the state.
With statements of unprecedented collaboration leading to a decrease in federal officer presence in Minnesota, Governor Walz said he anticipates more communication from the Trump administration in the near future.
