Trump Administration Ends Minnesota Immigration Surge Following Fatal Shootings and Protests

Border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday the conclusion of "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota, a federal immigration crackdown that resulted in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens and sparked nationwide protests. President Trump approved the drawdown following intense criticism of the operation's use of force and its impact on the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. A significant withdrawal of the approximately 2,000 remaining agents is scheduled to conclude next week, though a "small footprint" will remain for transition and criminal investigations.

The operation, which began in December, led to the arrest of more than 4,000 undocumented immigrants, including individuals with criminal convictions for sexual misconduct. Homan stated that the surge successfully reduced the number of enforcement targets and made the state "less of a sanctuary state for criminals." However, the mission faced significant resistance after federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both U.S. citizens, in separate January incidents. ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons confirmed the agency has launched 37 investigations into excessive use of force since January 2025.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz demanded the federal government "pay for what they broke," citing "generational trauma" and economic damage. Walz is expected to propose a $10 million emergency fund for small businesses affected by the surge. Meanwhile, the announcement coincides with a potential partial government shutdown as the U.S. Senate failed to advance a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday. Democrats are conditioning their support on ICE reforms, including ending the use of masks and requiring agents to reveal their identities.