The Trump administration has announced it is winding down its immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, which resulted in the deaths of two US citizens, mass detentions and widespread protests. The move was confirmed by Tom Homan, the US border czar, during a press briefing on Thursday.
“I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan said, adding that “a significant drawdown” had already begun and would continue. Agents will return to their normal duties or be reassigned, with numbers falling back to around 100. However, security teams will remain to respond to what Homan called “agitators” opposing immigration work in the state.
The operation saw federal agents kill two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, sparking protests and community organising. Local officials expressed cautious optimism about the drawdown but said they needed to see evidence on the ground. Homan cited “unprecedented coordination” with local law enforcement as a factor in the decision, claiming Minnesota was “now less of a sanctuary state for criminals”.
Governor Tim Walz reacted angrily, saying the state had not changed its immigration policies and criticising the damage left behind. “They left us with deep damage, generational trauma,” Walz said. “They left us with economic ruin.” He proposed a $10m forgivable loan programme for small businesses affected by the disruption and said he would “pack your damn bags” to help agents leave.
Walz also questioned the lack of progress in investigations into the deaths of Good and Pretti. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised residents, writing on social media that “a love for our neighbours and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation”.
