Federal Authorities Conclude Minnesota Immigration Crackdown
Border czar Tom Homan declared on Thursday that the contentious immigration crackdown in Minnesota, which sparked mass detentions, widespread protests, and two fatalities, is officially coming to an end. Homan stated, "As a result of our efforts here Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals," during a news conference, adding that he had proposed and President Trump concurred on concluding the surge operation.
Operation Metro Surge Details
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement initiated Operation Metro Surge on December 1, focusing sweeps on the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Federal authorities report that the operation led to the arrest of more than 4,000 individuals. While the Trump administration labeled those arrested as "dangerous criminal illegal aliens," many detainees included people with no criminal records, such as children and U.S. citizens, raising significant civil liberties concerns.
Political and Public Reaction
The crackdown has ignited fierce political debates and public outcry. A new AP-NORC poll reveals that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults believe President Trump has "gone too far" in deploying federal immigration agents into cities. Independents largely disapprove, with approximately 6 in 10 stating Trump has overstepped, an increase from previous polls. However, Republican support remains strong, with about half viewing his actions as "about right" and a quarter desiring more aggressive measures.
Senate Hearing and Accountability
During a tense Senate hearing on immigration enforcement in Minnesota, Republican senators clashed with state Attorney General Keith Ellison. Senators Ron Johnson and Josh Hawley pressed Ellison on activist roles and fraud investigations, while Ellison defended state officials and criticized federal overreach. Senator James Lankford later informed the panel of Homan's announcement, highlighting communication gaps during the proceedings.
Ellison also noted a lack of cooperation from federal agencies in investigations into the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, calling it "highly unusual" and accusing the government of stonewalling.
Activist Responses and Aftermath
Activists expressed relief at the crackdown's end but emphasized the need for accountability. Lisa Erbes of Indivisible Twin Cities stated, "The people of Minnesota have won. We've beaten them back and we made them leave." She warned that officials must be held responsible for the chaos, noting, "People have died. Families have been torn apart. We can't just say this is over and forget the pain and suffering."
Drawdown and Future Implications
Homan announced that 700 federal officers would leave Minnesota immediately, with a continued drawdown planned for the following week. He intends to remain in the state to oversee the process. The operation had faced growing political backlash and operational questions, particularly after the second fatal shooting by federal agents in late January.
Broader Context and Related Developments
The announcement coincides with other national and international events, including Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities amid uncertain peace talks, a Justice Department controversy over tracking lawmakers' search histories in the Epstein case, and a U.S. Navy collision in the Caribbean. Additionally, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from transferring former death row inmates to a Supermax prison, citing due process violations.
Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar, posted reactions on social media, with Walz emphasizing the long road to recovery and Klobuchar praising Minnesotans' resilience. The crackdown's conclusion marks a significant shift in immigration enforcement tactics, but its legacy of division and trauma continues to resonate across the state and nation.
