Trump Administration Ends Minnesota Immigration Surge
The U.S. government announced on Thursday that its intensified immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota will be scaled back, ending weeks of controversy and protests after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal agents during the raid.
Top immigration official Tom Homan said President Donald Trump agreed to conclude the surge operation, known as Operation Metro Surge, which had deployed thousands of federal agents to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. The drawdown began this week and is expected to continue over the next several days.
The operation sparked widespread outrage, mass demonstrations, and criticism from local leaders. Homan suggested that agents might be reassigned to other locations but provided no specifics, adding that immigration enforcement nationwide would still continue.
Public Outcry and Calls for Reform
The Minnesota operation drew intense public scrutiny after protests erupted over federal tactics and the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, both American citizens killed during enforcement actions in January.
Opposition Democratic lawmakers have seized on the situation to call for major reform at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Proposals include ending mobile patrols, banning masked agents, and requiring warrants for certain actions.
Local officials welcomed the announcement but noted that the impact of the raids on communities, schools, and local businesses will take time to address.
Despite the decision to scale back the Minnesota deployment, federal authorities assert that enforcement efforts against undocumented migrants will continue elsewhere, and a portion of agents may remain in the state to help wrap up operations.
