Tom Homan announces end of ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in Minnesota | Donald Trump News
U.S. Border Chief Announces End of Federal Operation in Minnesota
Tom Homan, the U.S. border security chief, announced Thursday that a federal immigration operation in Minnesota, which resulted in mass detentions and protests, will come to a close. This decision follows two fatalities linked to the operation.
Homan stated at a news conference, “As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals.” He further indicated that the Trump administration supports his recommendation to conclude this surge operation.
Operation Metro Surge, launched by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on December 1, has led to over 4,000 arrests in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. While ICE has described those apprehended as “dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” many detained included individuals without criminal records, along with children and U.S. citizens.
Despite the operation ending, Homan assured that ICE will continue its enforcement actions, stating, “Through targeted enforcement operations based on reasonable suspicion, and prioritizing safety and security, ICE will continue to identify, arrest, and remove illegal aliens who pose a risk to public safety.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed optimism that the operation would conclude in “days, not weeks and months,” after discussions with senior officials in the Trump administration, including Homan and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey noted that he had a productive meeting with Homan, discussing a possible reduction in the number of federal officers present in the city.
Following the second shooting incident involving federal immigration agents, Homan took command of the operations in late January. Amid rising political pressure and scrutiny over the conduct of the operation, Walz remarked that he anticipates further communication from the administration regarding its ramifications, describing the operation as an “occupation” and “retribution campaign” against Minnesota.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment on Walz’s statements.
Walz further clarified he had no reasons to doubt Homan’s claim that 700 federal officers would withdraw from Minnesota immediately. However, he added that 2,300 federal officers would still remain active on the state’s streets.
Homan attributed the decision to scale back federal presence to an “increase in unprecedented collaboration” with local jails handling deportable inmates.
