The Trump administration has announced plans to withdraw 700 federal immigration agents from Minnesota. These officers were part of Operation Metro Surge, a major immigration crackdown launched in Minneapolis late last year.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan shared the decision during a press conference in Saint Paul on Wednesday. He said the pullback would start immediately.
Federal Presence to Be Reduced Gradually
According to Homan, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the US Border Patrol will be included in the withdrawal. Around 2,000 federal agents will remain in Minnesota for now.
Homan explained that the administration wants to return to the staffing level that existed before the operation began in December. He said the decision reflects improved cooperation from state and local authorities.
He added that federal officials will continue adjusting the number of agents based on local support and coordination.
Body Cameras a National Priority
During the briefing, Homan said the government is prioritizing body worn cameras for all officers operating in Minnesota. He confirmed that every federal agent in Minneapolis will receive the equipment.
The administration also plans to expand body camera use nationwide. Homan said the move aims to improve transparency and accountability during enforcement actions.
Operation Called a Success Despite Controversy
Homan described Operation Metro Surge as a success, even though it faced legal challenges and public criticism. The operation has sparked nationwide protests and intense debate.
Two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, died after federal agents shot them during enforcement actions. Their deaths remain a major point of concern for civil rights groups.
Homan acknowledged that the operation was not perfect. He said federal agencies improved coordination by creating a clearer chain of command.
He noted that the operation now runs more smoothly than before.
Arrest Numbers Highlight Enforcement Impact
Federal agents have arrested hundreds of individuals since the operation began. Homan said officers detained people accused of serious crimes.
These include 14 individuals charged with homicide, 139 charged with assault, 87 registered sex offenders, and 28 alleged gang members. The BBC has not independently confirmed these figures.
Homan said the goal of the operation was to remove dangerous individuals from communities. He stressed that public safety remains the administration’s top priority.
Cooperation Led to Agent Reduction
Homan took direct control of the operation at the end of January. At the time, he said federal staffing would depend on how much support local officials provided.
On Wednesday, he said Minnesota authorities showed unprecedented cooperation. That cooperation, he said, led to the decision to cut the federal presence by roughly one third.
