The large scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota is coming to an end. President Donald Trump’s border chief, Tom Homan, confirmed the decision during a press briefing on Thursday.
Homan said President Trump approved his request to wrap up the operation. He plans to remain in Minnesota for a short time to oversee the withdrawal of federal agents and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Operation Metro Surge Declared a Success
The operation, known as Operation Metro Surge, focused on arresting undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes. According to Homan, more than 4,000 undocumented individuals were detained during the crackdown.
He stated that several of those arrested had prior convictions, including serious sexual offenses. Homan described the operation as a major success and said officials significantly reduced the number of enforcement targets in the state.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, will continue operating in Minnesota. However, the number of federal agents will return to levels seen before the surge began in December.
Federal and Local Cooperation Increased
Homan credited the success of the operation to stronger cooperation between federal authorities and local law enforcement agencies. He said Minneapolis police increased their response to protests that officials viewed as public safety threats.
Local jails also improved communication with ICE. They reportedly provided timely notifications about release dates for individuals ICE planned to detain.
Last week, Homan removed 700 immigration agents from Minnesota. Around 2,000 federal officers remain in the state for now. He said the goal is to fully restore pre-surge staffing levels.
Protests and Controversy Surround the Operation
The enforcement surge sparked nationwide protests after two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed during encounters with immigration officers. Critics blamed aggressive ICE tactics, including street stops and searches.
Following Alex Pretti’s fatal shooting, President Trump sent Homan to Minneapolis to personally oversee the operation. This move sidelined the previous leader, Greg Bovino.
Homan and the Trump administration accused Minnesota officials of fueling tensions through public statements. He revealed that he met with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in recent weeks. During those meetings, he urged them to lower the intensity of their public messaging.
Minnesota’s Sanctuary Status Questioned
Homan claimed Minnesota has become “less of a sanctuary state” during the operation. Sanctuary cities and states often limit how much they cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Local leaders, including Mayor Frey, pushed back against the federal narrative. They argued that ICE enforcement tactics created fear in communities and escalated tensions.
As the operation winds down, immigration enforcement will continue in Minnesota. However, the large scale surge that drew national attention is officially ending.
