Federal immigration raids that turned parts of Minnesota into a national flashpoint are now winding down.
The administration of Donald Trump is ending its high-profile immigration crackdown in Minnesota after two months of mass arrests, protests, and deadly encounters. Border czar Tom Homan confirmed Thursday that the operation is being scaled back.
The effort, described by the Department of Homeland Security as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever, centered on the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. According to Homan, more than 4,000 arrests were made during the sweep led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“The surge is leaving Minnesota safer,” Homan said. “I’ll say it again, it’s less of a sanctuary state for criminals.”
The operation intensified after Renee Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis. Their deaths sparked widespread protests and renewed scrutiny of Trump’s mass deportation agenda.
“President Trump made a promise of mass deportation, and that’s what this country is going to get,” Homan said.
Democratic Governor Tim Walz said earlier this week that he expected Operation Metro Surge, which began in December, to end in “days, not weeks and months,” based on conversations with senior administration officials. He described the federal presence as an “occupation” and a “retribution campaign” against the state, adding, “We’re very much in a trust but verify mode.”
Last week, Homan announced that 700 federal officers would leave immediately, though more than 2,000 remained at the time. On Thursday, he said the drawdown has begun and will continue next week, and that he plans to stay in Minnesota to oversee the transition.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he had a “positive meeting” with Homan and discussed the potential for further reductions in federal personnel.
While federal officials have characterized those arrested as dangerous offenders, reports indicate that individuals without criminal records, including children and U.S. citizens, were also detained during the operation.
