Maps
Magazine

WORLD NEWS

US Ends Minnesota ICE Surge After Fatal Shootings and Outcry
The Trump administration has announced the end of its controversial immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota led by Tom Homan, following protests and the fatal shootings of two US citizens. Federal agents will be drawn down, though enforcement continues nationwide.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-12
US Ends Minnesota ICE Surge After Fatal Shootings and Outcry

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that its intensified immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota will end, a dramatic shift after weeks of public outrage, mass protests, and the fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal agents.

Tom Homan, President Trump’s “border czar,” said at a briefing in Minneapolis that he proposed the conclusion of the so‑called Operation Metro Surge and that the president concurred with the decision. A significant drawdown of federal immigration agents is already underway and will continue through the coming week. Officers will either return to their home posts or be reassigned to other areas of the country where immigration enforcement is needed.

The operation, which deployed thousands of agents from agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection, was described by federal authorities as a targeted effort against criminal threats but rapidly drew backlash. It was credited with more than four thousand arrests, though critics noted that many detained individuals had no criminal records, including U.S. citizens and minors.

Protests erupted across Minneapolis–St. Paul, especially after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti — both U.S. citizens — during the enforcement actions. The shootings intensified scrutiny of federal tactics and prompted calls from local and national leaders for reform of immigration enforcement practices.

Homan acknowledged that heightened cooperation with state and local law enforcement and a reduction in “agitator activity” contributed to the decision to wind down the surge. He maintained that key enforcement goals had been achieved and that Minnesota was now “less of a sanctuary state for criminals.”

Despite the drawdown, the administration says it will continue to enforce immigration laws nationwide. Homan said remaining personnel would be repositioned to support immigration enforcement in other parts of the United States, and a small footprint of federal officers may remain temporarily to transition operations back to local field offices.

Local officials—including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey—welcomed the announcement, framing the end of the surge as a necessary de‑escalation after months of tension. However, debates over federal immigration policy and enforcement tactics continue to rage at both state and national levels.
Tagged:

TrumpAdministration

ICE

Minnesota

OperationMetroSurge
Share News: