MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The immigration crackdown in Minnesota that led to mass detentions, protests, and two deaths is coming to an end, border czar Tom Homan said Thursday.
Democratic Gov. Tim Walz indicated that he expected Operation Metro Surge, which started in December, to conclude in 'days, not weeks and months,' following discussions with senior officials from the Trump administration.
“As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals,” Homan stated at a news conference.
Homan noted that he and President Trump agreed it was time to conclude this surge operation.
Federal authorities report that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sweeps in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area led to over 4,000 arrests. While the Trump administration has labeled those apprehended as “dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” many individuals without criminal records, including children and U.S. citizens, were also caught in the sweeps.
“The surge is leaving Minneapolis safer,” Homan claimed, emphasizing a decrease in sanctuary conditions for criminals.
Last week, Homan announced that 700 federal officers would depart Minnesota immediately; however, over 2,000 will remain on the streets. The drawdown of federal forces commenced this week and will continue.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed optimism after a recent meeting with Homan, discussing the potential for a continued reduction of federal officers.
Homan began overseeing the Minnesota operation in late January, following the second fatal shooting by federal immigration agents, amidst increasing political backlash and concerns regarding the operation’s execution.
Gov. Walz noted that while he trusts Homan's statement, the presence of 2,300 federal officers still raises significant concerns about the ongoing impact of these operations.
