Minnesota Immigration Crackdown Ends After Federal Sweep/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Federal officials announced an end to Minnesota’s immigration crackdown. Operation Metro Surge led to over 4,000 arrests and widespread protests. Officials say a drawdown of federal officers is now underway.
Minnesota Immigration Crackdown Ends – Quick Looks
- Operation Metro Surge began in December
- Over 4,000 arrests reported by ICE
- Two fatal shootings fueled backlash
- Federal officer drawdown underway
- Gov. Tim Walz expects full conclusion soon
Deep Look: Federal Authorities End Minnesota Immigration Crackdown After Months of Sweeps
Federal officials have announced the conclusion of a controversial immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota that sparked mass detentions, public protests, and two fatal shootings.
White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed Thursday that the large-scale enforcement effort known as Operation Metro Surge is being wound down following months of heightened activity across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
“As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals,” Homan said during a press conference in Minneapolis. He added that he proposed ending the surge operation and that Donald Trump agreed with the recommendation.
Thousands Arrested During Sweeps
According to federal authorities, the enforcement operation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulted in more than 4,000 arrests since its launch in December.
The Trump administration described those arrested as “dangerous criminal illegal aliens.” However, critics — including local leaders — said many detainees had no criminal records. Reports also indicated that children and some U.S. citizens were temporarily detained during enforcement actions.
The crackdown drew sharp criticism from Democratic officials, advocacy groups and residents who described the federal presence as overwhelming and destabilizing.
Political Backlash and Fatal Shootings
The operation intensified in late January following a second fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents. The deaths fueled protests and intensified scrutiny over the tactics being used in the enforcement campaign.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said earlier this week that he expected the surge to end within “days, not weeks and months,” based on discussions with senior administration officials.
Walz described the federal deployment as an “occupation” and a “retribution campaign” against the state but said he was cautiously optimistic about the drawdown.
“We’re very much in a trust but verify mode,” Walz said, noting he expected further clarification from federal authorities soon.
Federal Drawdown Underway
Homan previously announced that 700 federal officers would leave Minnesota immediately, though more than 2,000 remained at that time. On Thursday, he said the reduction in personnel began this week and would continue into next week. Homan also indicated he plans to remain in Minnesota to oversee the transition.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he had a “positive meeting” with Homan earlier in the week and discussed the pace of the federal withdrawal.
Homan attributed the scaling back of federal personnel to increased cooperation from local authorities, including jails that have assisted in holding detainees facing deportation.
What Comes Next?
While federal officials argue the operation made Minnesota “safer,” critics continue to question its human toll and legal boundaries. The end of Operation Metro Surge may reduce the visible federal presence in Minneapolis, but immigration enforcement remains a central pillar of the Trump administration’s national policy.
The conclusion of the Minnesota crackdown also comes as immigration remains a flashpoint issue nationwide, particularly as the country moves closer to the midterm election season.
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