Trump Ends Minnesota Immigration Crackdown

The Trump administration has announced it is ending the intensified immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota that sparked widespread protests and national criticism, particularly after the deaths of two U.S. citizens. 

White House border czar Tom Homan said Thursday that President Donald Trump agreed to conclude the effort known as Operation Metro Surge, which deployed thousands of federal agents across the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Homan told reporters that a “significant drawdown” of personnel has already begun and will continue through next week. 

The large-scale crackdown, launched in December, aimed to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants, with the Department of Homeland Security describing it as a mission against criminal elements. Federal authorities say the sweeps led to thousands of arrests. 

However, the deployment drew fierce opposition from local officials, residents and civil rights advocates. Mass protests erupted in Minneapolis, especially after two U.S. citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot by federal immigration agents during the enforcement actions, leading to intense criticism and demands for accountability. 

Homan insisted at a news conference that Minnesota is “now less of a sanctuary state for criminals” and said Trump concurred that the surge operation should end. 

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have both been outspoken critics of the crackdown. Walz previously described the federal presence as an “occupation” and pressed for a complete withdrawal of agents. 

Mayor Frey has also raised concerns over how the federal operation was conducted and has called for greater oversight and protections for communities affected by the enforcement actions. 

While the Minnesota surge is winding down, federal officials have indicated that immigration enforcement will continue nationwide, with agents either returning to their home stations or being reassigned to other areas as needed. 

The politically charged operation has highlighted deep national debates over immigration policy and federal enforcement powers, particularly when actions involve local communities and result in civilian casualties.