Trump Administration to End Immigration Surge in Minnesota
President Trump's border czar Tom Homan announced the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge, a controversial immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The operation, which has led to mass detentions, the deaths of two US citizens, and widespread protests, is currently seeing a significant drawdown
of personnel, as reported by multiple international media outlets.
Background
Operation Metro Surge was launched in December 2025, described as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out.
However, daily videos of violent masked agents and reports of people being targeted on flimsy evidence have led to a decrease in President Trump's approval ratings.
The operation has resulted in over 4,000 detentions, and the deaths of two protesters which triggered backlash across Minnesota and beyond. Criticisms of the operation have not been confined to the Democratic camp, some fellow Republicans also raised questions about the operation, leading to what some outlets describe as a rare retreat
by the President.
Operation Metro Surge: The End
Homan stated that a small footprint of personnel
would remain to ensure the smooth transition of full command back to the field office, and to continue criminal investigations into agitator activity.
This decision comes after weeks of high tensions in the city,
said Homan, who has been overseeing the withdrawal of agents. The border chief was sent by President Trump to manage the federal agents in Minneapolis following the deadly incidents.
Reactions and Implications
Democratic Governor Tim Walz said the federal government's presence had caused deep damage
and generational trauma,
subsequently demanding that it pay for what they broke.
He expects the operation to end in days, not weeks and months,
based on his conversations with senior Trump administration officials.
However, Homan insisted that the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge was not a surrender, but evidence of ICE's success in Minnesota. He stated, As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals.
Current Status
Despite the announcement of the operation's conclusion, tensions remain high in Minneapolis. While public safety risks have been reduced through unprecedented levels of coordination
between state officials and local law enforcement, the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the operation. Two months into the operation, the state experienced tense protests, school shutdowns, and three shootings.
The events in Minnesota have ignited a nationwide debate about immigration enforcement in the US today. As the situation continues to evolve, the ultimate impact and implications of Operation Metro Surge are yet to be fully seen.