Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota declared on Tuesday that he expects the federal immigration crackdown currently underway in his state to conclude in "days, not weeks and months." This projection follows his recent conversations with senior officials from the Trump administration, signaling a potential end to what he has described as an "occupation" and a "retribution campaign."
High-Level Discussions with Federal Officials
The Democratic governor revealed at a news conference that he engaged in discussions with border czar Tom Homan on Monday and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles on Tuesday morning. Homan assumed control of the Minnesota operation in late January, a move prompted by the second fatal shooting involving federal officers and mounting political backlash over the operation's management.
"We're very much in a trust but verify mode," Walz stated, emphasizing his cautious optimism. He added that he anticipates receiving further updates from the administration "in the next day or so" regarding the future of the enforcement surge.
Governor's Expectations and Federal Response
While expressing hope that the operation is "winding up," Walz acknowledged the situation remains fluid. "It would be my hope that Mr. Homan goes out before Friday and announces that this thing is done, and they're bringing her down and they're bringing her down in days," he said. "That would be my expectation."
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security have not yet responded to requests for comment on the governor's remarks, leaving the federal stance unclear.
Federal Presence and Investigative Cooperation
Walz noted he has no reason to doubt Homan's statement from last week, which indicated that 700 federal officers would depart Minnesota immediately. However, the governor pointed out that this would still leave 2,300 officers on Minnesota's streets. Homan previously cited an "increase in unprecedented collaboration," including assistance from jails holding inmates eligible for deportation, as reducing the need for federal personnel.
The governor also expressed expectations for "cooperation on joint investigations" into the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers, though he provided no specific details. This issue has been a source of tension, with state investigators complaining of being excluded from these cases and denied access to evidence.
Economic Impact and Local Concerns
Walz convened the news conference primarily to highlight the economic repercussions of the enforcement surge. Speaking at The Market at Malcolm Yards, a local food hall, he underscored the broader impact on the community.
Patty Wall, the owner of Malcolm Yards, lamented that the entire restaurant sector has become "collateral damage" from the crackdown. Matt Varilek, Minnesota's employment and economic development commissioner, elaborated on the situation, noting that the venue would typically be bustling but is now struggling as employees and customers fear venturing out due to the heightened enforcement.
"So it is great news, of course, that the posture seems to have changed at the federal level toward their activities here in Minnesota," Varilek remarked. "But, as the governor said, it's a trust-but-verify situation. And frankly, the fear that has been sown, I haven't really noticed any reduction in that."
The governor's statements reflect a delicate balance between optimism for a swift resolution and ongoing vigilance as Minnesota awaits concrete actions from federal authorities to dismantle the immigration operation.
