Trump’s border tsar Homan says ‘small’ security force will remain in Minnesota

US Border Tsar Tom Homan announced that an immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is ending, following President Donald Trump's approval of his request to conclude the operation. The surge, which brought over 2,000 immigration officers to the state, was sparked by local officials' cooperation with federal authorities. Nationwide protests were held after two US citizens were killed by federal agents during the operation. Homan stated that Minnesota has become "less of a sanctuary state" since local officials have cooperated more with federal immigration officers. The operation resulted in the arrest of several undocumented immigrants, including those convicted of serious crimes. A small team of personnel will remain to close out and transition command and control back to the field office.

US border security chief Tom Homan announced the end of "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota, effective February 12, 2026. The operation, launched by ICE on December 1, involved 700 immigration agents and focused on the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area. According to federal authorities, the operation led to over 4,000 arrests, although many detainees had no criminal records. Homan stated that the operation made Minnesota "less of a sanctuary state" and that ICE will continue targeted enforcement operations. Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey both indicated they had discussed the operation's conclusion with federal officials.

Federal authorities, led by border czar Tom Homan, announced the end of an immigration crackdown in Minnesota on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The operation, which focused on the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, resulted in over 4,000 arrests and was described as the Department of Homeland Security's largest immigration enforcement operation ever. The crackdown sparked mass detentions, protests, and the deaths of two U.S. citizens, becoming a point of contention in the debate over President Trump's deportation policies. Homan defended the operation as making Minnesota safer and less of a sanctuary for criminals, while also pledging that immigration enforcement efforts would continue despite the end of the Minnesota operation.

Operation Metro Surge, an immigration crackdown in Minnesota that began in December, is ending, according to border tsar Tom Homan. The operation, focused on the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, led to over 4,000 arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the Trump administration claimed those arrested were dangerous criminals, reports indicate that individuals with no criminal records, including children and US citizens, were also detained. Governor Tim Walz stated he expected the operation to end soon based on discussions with Trump administration officials. Homan asserted that the surge made Minneapolis safer and less of a sanctuary for criminals.

In January 2026, White House "Border Czar" Tom Homan announced a change in immigration enforcement tactics for Minnesota. Federal immigration agents will now conduct targeted operations instead of broad, sweeping actions. This shift in strategy comes as Homan replaces Gregory Bovino as the head of operations in the state. Bovino, previously described as a "commander at large," is being replaced to implement the new, more focused approach to immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The reason for the change was not explicitly stated in the announcement.

Following public outrage over the death of a US citizen protesting immigration raids in Minneapolis, President Trump is softening his administration's tone on immigration enforcement. Trump dispatched Tom Homan, his border security advisor, to Minneapolis to report directly to him. This move comes after polls indicated widespread disapproval of ICE's tactics. Trump also described a "very good" conversation with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, signaling a shift from previous accusations of corruption. The administration's actions suggest an attempt to mitigate political damage resulting from the controversial immigration crackdown.

White House border czar Tom Homan stated in Minneapolis on Thursday, January 29, 2026, that a reduction in immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota is possible, but only with cooperation from state officials. Homan's visit followed the fatal shooting of a protester by a federal immigration officer. He emphasized the need for local jails to notify ICE about individuals in their custody who are subject to deportation, arguing that transferring immigrants to ICE within the jail setting is safer and reduces the need for street operations. Homan also expressed "zero tolerance" for protesters who assault officers or impede their work. He indicated a potential shift towards "targeted operations" focused on apprehending immigrants with criminal records.

Following the fatal shooting of a protester by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Trump's border tsar, Tom Homan, addressed reporters, outlining the administration's stance on immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Homan stated that a reduction in ICE officers in the state is contingent on increased cooperation from local officials, particularly regarding jail notifications about individuals in custody who are subject to deportation. He emphasized the need for local jails to alert ICE to people in their custody whom ICE can remove from the country. Homan also expressed zero tolerance for assaults on ICE officers or obstruction of their duties. He indicated a renewed focus on "targeted operations" aimed at apprehending immigrants who pose public safety threats.

In January 2026, Tom Homan, President Trump's "border czar," announced a shift in immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota following the deaths of two US citizens at the hands of immigration officers. Homan indicated a willingness to cooperate with local officials who have opposed the administration's immigration policies. However, he largely blamed the Biden administration and local policies for the recent escalations, maintaining that the Trump administration would continue to target individuals deemed public safety or national security threats. Despite criticism of increasingly broad enforcement strategies, Homan insisted operations would be targeted. State and local law enforcement officials reported that many of their off-duty officers of color had been randomly stopped and asked for their papers.

During a town hall event in Minneapolis on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a man was arrested after spraying an unknown substance on U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar. The man, wearing a black jacket, was immediately tackled to the ground following the incident. The event occurred amid heightened tensions in the city related to federal immigration enforcement. The congresswoman was hosting the town hall when the incident took place. The motivation for the attack is currently unknown.

On January 28, 2026, US Representative Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unidentified liquid while holding a town hall meeting in Minneapolis. The incident occurred during a public meeting where Omar advocated for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Representative Omar was unharmed in the assault. Police arrested a male suspect at the scene and charged him with third-degree assault. The motive for the attack remains unclear.

The Pentagon has ordered 1,500 active-duty soldiers in Alaska to prepare for potential deployment to Minnesota amid escalating protests against the government's deportation drive. The order comes after President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces if protests targeting immigration officials are not stopped. Tensions have risen in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a civilian by an ICE officer on January 7th. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated that deploying the military would worsen the situation, as the city already has 3,000 federal immigration and Border Patrol officers dealing with the protests. It remains unclear whether the troops will actually be deployed.

A pro-ICE rally organized by far-right activist Jake Lang in Minneapolis on Saturday was overwhelmed by hundreds of counterprotesters. Lang, who previously received clemency for January 6th-related charges, planned the demonstration to protest immigration policies and express anti-Islam and anti-Somali sentiments. The counterprotesters outnumbered Lang's supporters, disrupting the rally and chasing them away, with Lang reportedly sustaining injuries. Minnesota's National Guard was mobilized by Governor Tim Walz to support law enforcement and ensure peaceful assembly, though they were not deployed. The rally occurred amidst ongoing protests in the Twin Cities against increased immigration enforcement by the Department of Homeland Security.

On January 18, 2026, hundreds of anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, confronted and dispersed a small group of far-right demonstrators led by Jake Lang. Lang, who was pardoned for his involvement in the January 6th insurrection, organized an "anti-fraud" rally near City Hall, promoting anti-Islam, anti-Somali, and pro-ICE sentiments. The counter-protest occurred amid heightened tensions in the city following the death of a local woman by a federal agent and the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant. While Lang claimed to have been stabbed during a scuffle, police stated that no official reports of injuries related to the protests were filed. The protests are part of ongoing demonstrations against increased immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities.

The Pentagon has ordered 1,500 active-duty soldiers in Alaska to prepare for potential deployment to Minnesota amid escalating tensions over the government's immigration enforcement. The possible deployment follows increased protests in Minneapolis after the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer on January 7th. Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military if protests impeding immigration officials are not stopped. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has criticized the potential deployment as unnecessary and inflammatory, stating the city is safe and does not need additional federal agents. The Trump administration has already sent 3,000 immigration and border patrol officers to the city.

Around 1,500 soldiers in Alaska are on standby for potential deployment to Minneapolis amid ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations. The possible deployment is an option for the US president, though no decision has been made. The protests were sparked by recent ICE activity and the death of Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent earlier this month. A federal judge has limited crowd control tactics that ICE agents can use against peaceful protesters. Minnesota's National Guard has been mobilized, and other law enforcement officers have been deployed to Minneapolis in anticipation of further demonstrations.

The Pentagon has ordered approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska to prepare for potential deployment to Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. This follows ongoing protests against federal immigration raids conducted by roughly 3,000 ICE agents in the area. The protests were sparked by the death of a Minneapolis resident and mother, Renee Nicole Good. The Department of Homeland Security reported that a federal officer shot a Venezuelan man in the leg during the raids, and ICE stated that a Nicaraguan man died in their custody after being arrested in Minneapolis. The military is reportedly prepared to execute orders from the Commander-in-Chief if called upon.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti. Pretti's family identified him as an ICU nurse at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. According to the Associated Press, the shooting occurred amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Pretti was reportedly upset by the immigration policies and had participated in protests following a previous shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs officer earlier in January. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated he had contacted the White House regarding the incident.

In Minneapolis, January 2026, residents are providing safe houses for immigrant children who have been separated from their parents or are being sought by federal immigration agents. This action comes amidst a surge of over 2,000 federal agents in the city conducting an immigration crackdown, which has led to clashes with protesters. Volunteers, including some who previously voted for Trump, are working to covertly disrupt the operation by relocating children to protect them from potential detention. One instance involves children fleeing their home to avoid immigration enforcement, while another involves a 5-month-old baby whose mother was detained. The organization "Source MN" is also involved in hiding children whose parents have been detained.

A U.S. federal judge in Minnesota issued an injunction on January 17, 2026, curbing the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents against protesters and observers in Minneapolis. The order follows rising tensions and the fatal shooting of a local activist by an ICE agent earlier in the month. The injunction prohibits agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters, including arresting or detaining individuals without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. It also bans the use of crowd-control munitions like pepper spray and tear gas against peaceful demonstrators or bystanders observing ICE operations. The Department of Homeland Security has 72 hours to comply with the ruling, which is seen as a victory for local activists protesting the deployment of 2,000 immigration agents to the area by the Trump administration.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on Monday, seeking to end the increased presence of ICE agents in the state. The lawsuit follows the fatal shooting of a Minnesota resident by an ICE agent last week, which sparked protests. Ellison claims the ICE agents are poorly trained, making unconstitutional arrests, and using excessive force, leading to safety concerns and business closures. He also alleges that local police have had to intervene in multiple instances of ICE agents' apparent abductions of Minneapolis residents. Ellison suggested the Trump administration is targeting Minnesota due to political bias.

A federal judge in Minnesota ruled that federal officers involved in a large immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis area cannot detain or use tear gas against peaceful protesters. The ruling, issued Friday by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez, stems from a case filed in December on behalf of six Minnesota activists who monitor immigration enforcement activities. The lawsuit alleges that the federal agents were obstructing the activists' ability to observe and document their work. The judge's order specifically prohibits the officers from detaining or using tear gas against protesters who are not obstructing authorities, including those observing the agents' actions. The ruling comes after incidents in January 2026 where tear gas was deployed during confrontations between federal immigration officers and protesters outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis.

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, in January 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents increased arrests, leading to clashes with protesters. These events occurred days after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good. In response to a planned surge of immigration agents in the state, Minnesota officials filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit aims to block the deployment, with state officials claiming it is unlawful. The legal action and protests highlight escalating tensions between the state and federal government regarding immigration enforcement.

An ICE agent shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis, prompting protests and calls for ICE to leave the city. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the agent was pursuing the man, who was allegedly in the US illegally, when an altercation occurred. The DHS claims the agent fired in self-defense after being "attacked" by the man and two others, who are now in custody. The FBI is investigating the incident. This shooting follows the recent death of a woman shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week, which is also under FBI investigation. Minneapolis city officials and the mayor have condemned the shootings and the presence of ICE in the city, accusing them of creating chaos.

In January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Minnesota with a "day of reckoning and retribution" following ongoing protests over the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The statement followed Trump's promise to send hundreds more ICE agents to the city, despite criticism from state and local leaders who view the increased federal presence as a dangerous escalation. Trump accused his predecessor, Joe Biden, of having a "HORRIBLE Open Border’s Policy" and claimed ICE agents were simply removing dangerous individuals. Minnesota's Attorney General and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have filed a lawsuit alleging the ICE surge violates residents' freedom of speech and the state's constitutional rights. A federal judge was scheduled to hear arguments in the case on Tuesday.

In January 2026, President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota in response to ongoing protests in Minneapolis. The protests were triggered by two shootings involving federal agents within a week. The first shooting resulted in the death of Renee Good, a US citizen, by an ICE agent, while the second involved an ICE agent wounding a Venezuelan man. Trump accused Minnesota politicians of failing to control "agitators" and defended ICE's actions related to his immigration crackdown. The situation escalated with federal officers using tear gas against protesters who responded with rocks and fireworks.

Federal agents in Minneapolis used tear gas and eye irritants against protesters on Tuesday amid rising tensions over immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its "largest operation in DHS history," deploying hundreds of Customs and Border Protection agents to supplement the existing Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence, totaling approximately 2,800 agents. This surge coincided with the resignation of several federal prosecutors protesting the Justice Department's decision not to investigate the killing of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent. Minnesota and two mayors are seeking a court order to suspend the operation. A judge is also considering restricting the use of force by agents against those observing and recording their activities, with a ruling expected soon. Students in Brooklyn Park and other communities walked out of school to protest the immigration enforcement operation.