ICE Pulls Back in Minnesota: What’s Next for Trump’s Immigration Enforcement?
President Donald Trump has approved a drawdown of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota, marking a significant shift in the administration’s highly visible and controversial immigration enforcement surge. The pullback, announced by White House Border Czar Tom Homan on Thursday, February 12, 2026, follows months of protests and scrutiny over tactics employed by federal officers in the state.
From “Surge” to Scaled-Back Operations
The initial deployment of thousands of ICE and Customs and Border Protection officers to Minnesota aimed to address concerns about public safety and illegal immigration. However, the operation quickly drew criticism for its aggressive tactics and alleged abuses of power. The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Fine in January sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Homan announced a 25% reduction in agents last week, leaving approximately 2,000 officers in the area. Now, a “significant drawdown” is underway, with a “small footprint” of personnel remaining to transition command back to the local ICE field office. The complete withdrawal is expected to continue through next week.
A Response to Local Pressure?
The decision to scale back operations appears to be a response to growing resistance from state and local officials. Homan noted a “big change” in their willingness to assist federal operations, and a reduced need for “quick reaction forces” to protect agents from protesters. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had previously anticipated the ICE withdrawal would occur “in days, not weeks or months.”
Shifting Priorities and Future Enforcement
While the scale of the operation in Minnesota is diminishing, the administration maintains its commitment to immigration enforcement. Homan stated that the withdrawn agents will be redeployed to “where they’re needed” and will continue to enforce immigration laws. The question remains: where will those resources be directed next?
Homan’s arrival in Minneapolis to oversee the operation followed increasing anger surrounding the deaths of civilians and what critics described as inaccurate statements from authorities. This suggests a potential shift in how the administration manages high-profile enforcement efforts.
Concerns Over Due Process and Tactics
The ICE operation in Minnesota raised serious concerns about due process and the use of force. Reports emerged of aggressive searches and arrests, with some individuals alleging they were targeted without sufficient cause. The incident involving the arrest of a five-year-old child further fueled criticism.
Human rights groups and local politicians have voiced strong objections to the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the operation. The events in Minnesota underscore the ongoing debate over the balance between national security and individual rights in immigration enforcement.
What’s Behind Trump’s Changing Tone?
The hardline approach to immigration was a central tenet of Trump’s campaign and presidency. However, recent polling data suggests that support for this approach may be waning. Trump himself hinted last week that a more moderate stance might be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What prompted the ICE withdrawal from Minnesota? A combination of factors, including protests, scrutiny over tactics, and a shift in cooperation from state and local officials.
- Will ICE continue to operate in Minnesota? Yes, a smaller contingent of agents will remain to oversee the transition of command to the local field office.
- Where will the withdrawn agents be redeployed? They will be sent to “where they’re needed” to continue enforcing immigration laws.
- What were the main criticisms of the ICE operation? Concerns centered on aggressive tactics, lack of due process, and alleged abuses of power.
Did you know? Tom Homan was designated as “border czar” for a second Trump presidency in November 2024.
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