Minneapolis, MN – The Trump administration is reducing the number of federal immigration officers deployed in Minnesota, but will continue its ongoing enforcement operation despite weeks of tension and confrontations that have resulted in fatalities, according to border czar Tom Homan Wednesday.
Drawdown Tied to Local Cooperation
Approximately 700 officers – roughly a quarter of the total force in Minnesota – will be withdrawn immediately following agreements reached over the past week with state and local officials to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants, Homan stated. The administration has not yet provided a timeline for potentially ending the broader operation, which has become a focal point in the national debate over President Trump’s mass deportation efforts.
Around 2,000 officers will remain in the state following the initial drawdown, a number comparable to the force deployed at the start of the operation in January. The operation began following the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Resistance and Future Pullout Contingencies
Since the surge began, federal officers – described as masked and heavily armed – have faced resistance from residents concerned about their tactics. Homan indicated that a complete withdrawal of forces is contingent upon increased cooperation from state and local authorities, as well as a cessation of interference with federal agents making arrests.
President Trump, speaking to NBC News, stated he ordered the reduction and suggested a potential shift toward a “softer touch,” while still emphasizing the need to remain “tough.”
Local Leaders Call for Complete End to Operation
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats who have been critical of the operation, welcomed the withdrawal of 700 officers as a first step, but called for a swift and complete end to the enforcement effort. Walz specifically called for state-led investigations into the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and an end to what he termed a “campaign of retribution.”
Vice President JD Vance clarified that the officers being sent home were primarily providing security for those conducting arrests, and that immigration enforcement would continue.
Cooperation and Concerns Over “Sanctuary” Policies
The administration, through Tom Homan, has emphasized the need for cooperation from local jurisdictions, particularly regarding information sharing about potentially deportable inmates in local jails. The administration has frequently criticized “sanctuary jurisdictions” – areas that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement – as hindering the arrest of individuals deemed a risk. While Minnesota officials state that state prisons and most county sheriffs already cooperate, two county jails serving Minneapolis and St. Paul had not previously met ICE’s full cooperation standards.
Legal Challenges and Ongoing Enforcement
Two Minnesota school districts and a teachers union have filed a lawsuit seeking to block immigration enforcement activities at or near schools, citing disruptions to classes, safety concerns, and decreased attendance. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that ICE is not targeting children for arrest, but is focused on protecting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the initial surge in immigration enforcement in Minnesota?
The surge began in late January after the second fatal shooting by federal officers and amid growing political backlash and questions about how the operation was being run, according to Tom Homan.
How many officers will remain in Minnesota after the drawdown?
Approximately 2,000 officers will remain in Minnesota after the withdrawal of 700, which is roughly the same number deployed at the start of the operation.
What conditions must be met for a complete withdrawal of federal officers?
According to Tom Homan, a widespread pullout will occur only after there’s more cooperation from state and local officials and protesters stop interfering with federal agents carrying out arrests.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen whether the administration will achieve its goals of increased cooperation and sustained enforcement, or whether further adjustments will be necessary to navigate the ongoing tensions in Minnesota.
