MINNEAPOLIS — Federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota may soon see a reduction in personnel, according to Tom Homan, the White House’s border czar, who announced a plan for a potential drawdown during a press conference Thursday.
Operation Metro Surge Under Scrutiny
Homan’s announcement follows a period of intense scrutiny surrounding Operation Metro Surge, an aggressive immigration enforcement initiative that deployed approximately 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota. The operation has resulted in the arrest of undocumented immigrants, including those without criminal records, and has been linked to the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti.
Homan acknowledged shortcomings in the operation, stating, “I do not want to hear that everything that’s been done here has been perfect…anything can be improved on.” He emphasized that changes are underway to improve safety and efficiency.
Cooperation Key to Drawdown
The planned reduction in federal agents is contingent upon cooperation from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Homan stated his desire for federal agents to have access to undocumented immigrants held in state prisons and county jails. The Minnesota Department of Corrections has asserted that it already complies with ICE detainer requests, a claim previously disputed by other members of the Trump administration, but recently acknowledged by an ICE official earlier this month.
Homan anticipated potential criticism from those advocating for stricter enforcement, asserting, “We are not surrendering the president’s mission on immigration enforcement.” Mayor Frey, in a statement to NPR, indicated that any reduction in ICE presence would be a positive step, but reiterated his call for a complete end to Operation Metro Surge.
Leadership Change and Future Priorities
Homan assumed leadership of the Minnesota immigration operation on Tuesday, replacing Greg Bovino, the former Border Patrol commander whose tactics had drawn significant controversy. Bovino’s leadership was characterized by widespread sweeps and reports of aggressive tactics, including masked agents entering homes and intimidating legal observers.
Homan indicated a shift in priorities, stating the administration will focus on arresting undocumented immigrants with existing criminal records or those deemed a public safety threat. While acknowledging that arrests of individuals without criminal records could still occur, he asserted, “Members of the community are not the targets of our operations.”
Homan declined to comment on a recently surfaced video showing Alex Pretti, one of the U.S. citizens who died during Operation Metro Surge, interacting with federal agents eleven days before his death. He stated he would allow the investigation into Pretti’s shooting to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Operation Metro Surge?
Operation Metro Surge is an aggressive immigration enforcement initiative that brought approximately 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota to arrest undocumented immigrants.
Who is Tom Homan?
Tom Homan is the White House’s border czar and recently took over leadership of the immigration operation in Minnesota, replacing Greg Bovino.
What conditions must be met for federal agents to be withdrawn from Minnesota?
The withdrawal of federal agents depends on cooperation from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, specifically granting federal agents access to undocumented immigrants in state prisons and county jails.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen whether the proposed drawdown will lead to substantial changes in immigration enforcement practices in Minnesota, or if protests demanding a complete end to ICE presence will continue to shape the debate.
