The Trump administration announced Thursday, February 12, that it will end its two-month immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a massive operation that flooded the Twin Cities with 3,000 federal agents.
As a result of the operation, 4,000 arrests were made and two American citizens were killed.
Border czar Tom Homan confirmed from Minneapolis that a “significant reduction” is already underway.
He stated that most agents have returned to their home bases or have been deployed elsewhere.
There will be a small footprint left to close what the administration called “Operation Metro Surge.”
Homan said, “As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals.”
Previously, Minnesota leaders strongly condemned the operation. Tim Walz described it as “an unprecedented federal invasion into every aspect of life.”
“The long road to recovery begins now, they left us with deep damage, a generational trauma. They left us with economic ruin in some cases,” he added.
Minnesota officials remain skeptical.
Minneapolis City Council President Elliot Payne said, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan reiterated, “I won’t believe it until they’re really gone.”
They also criticize the fact that the administration made no announcement when it ended similar operations in Los Angeles and Chicago last year.
Homan’s announcement also reconfirmed “that mass deportation is still on the table and will continue to be our goal,” and cooperation with local jails “has actually improved our ability to enforce the law and deport aliens with minimal visibility.”
