Minnesotans welcome the immigration surge drawdown but remain vigilant

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.

ICE has ended its "Operation Catch of the Day" immigration enforcement surge in Maine, according to Senator Susan Collins, after detaining over 200 people in Portland and Lewiston. The operation, which targeted communities and led to concerns about detainees' removal odds, has seen a decrease in enforcement this week. This decision comes amid public criticism and potential funding stalls for the Department of Homeland Security. Meanwhile, despite the reassessment of activity nationwide, Donald Trump’s “border czar”, Tom Homan, has insisted that the much bigger operation in Minnesota would continue. Homan has assumed command of the nation’s most high-profile enforcement campaign.

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.

A judge is set to hear a case regarding Minnesota's "Operation Metro Surge," an ICE crackdown initiated last month. The lawsuit aims to reduce the number of ICE agents to pre-surge levels. This follows the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents, prompting increased scrutiny of federal immigration tactics in Minnesota. Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is seeking testimony from leaders at ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The investigation is driven by concerns about the Trump administration's account of events and a focus on American safety.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court on Friday to explain the agency's handling of bond hearings for detained immigrants. Chief Judge Patrick J Schiltz issued the order due to concerns over the agency's preparedness for the legal challenges arising from increased immigration detentions in the state. The order follows President Trump's deployment of additional agents to Minnesota as part of an immigration crackdown, prompted by protests and recent incidents involving immigration law enforcement. Tom Homan has been appointed to oversee the operation, replacing Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. The White House had initially blamed Democratic leaders for the protests.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court on Friday to explain why he shouldn't be held in contempt. Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz issued the order, citing the Trump administration's failure to comply with previous orders to hold bond hearings for detained immigrants. The judge criticized the administration's handling of these hearings, especially given the surge of ICE agents in Minnesota. This order follows President Trump's directive to Tom Homan to oversee immigration enforcement in Minnesota and a hearing on a request to halt the surge. The judge acknowledged the unusual nature of summoning a federal agency head but emphasized the extent of ICE's non-compliance with court orders.

Protests erupted in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, after a US Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and Minneapolis resident. The shooting occurred about a mile from where an ICE officer killed Renee Good earlier in January, further inflaming tensions. Authorities claim Pretti approached agents with a handgun and resisted disarming, while bystander videos show him holding a phone but no visible weapon. Demonstrators clashed with federal officers, who used batons and flashbang grenades, prompting the Minnesota National Guard to assist local police. Protesters are demanding the removal of immigration agents from Minneapolis.

Following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man, Alex Pretti, by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, protests erupted, demanding the removal of immigration agents from the city. The shooting occurred during what is described as an immigration crackdown. According to a Border Patrol commander, the agent fired "defensive shots" after Pretti, allegedly armed with a handgun, approached agents and resisted their attempts to disarm him. The incident has heightened tensions in Minneapolis, already strained by a previous fatal shooting. Senator Amy Klobuchar has called for ICE to leave Minnesota. Protesters gathered at the site, leading to confrontations with law enforcement, who deployed tear gas and pepper spray.

During a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked with an unknown liquid sprayed from a syringe by an audience member. Omar was unharmed and continued the meeting after the assailant was arrested. The liquid had an acrid, sour smell, described by some as similar to a chemical product. The attacker claimed Omar was "pitting us against each other" as he was escorted from the room. The town hall, attended by about 100 people, focused on the presence of federal immigration officials in the area following two recent fatal shootings of American citizens by immigration officers, during which Omar called for the abolishment of ICE.

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, a pro-ICE rally in Minneapolis organized by Jake Lang, an anti-Islam "influencer" and January 6 rioter, resulted in clashes between protesters and counter-demonstrators. Anti-ICE protesters confronted Lang at the event. Objects were thrown at Lang, who then fled the rally. The rally was organized to show support for ICE.

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.

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.

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.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse, was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday during a protest. Videos circulating online show Pretti being wrestled to the ground by multiple law enforcement officers before shots were fired. According to one video, the incident occurred after Pretti appeared to defend an observer who was shoved by an officer. Authorities claim the agent fired "defensive shots" amidst a crowd of people they characterized as "rioters." Pretti, described as a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, had a record only of traffic tickets. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Pretti's death at the scene. This is the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis this month involving federal agents.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and US citizen died after being shot by federal agents. The shooting occurred amid increased immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, part of President Trump's anti-immigration push. According to the Department of Homeland Security, a US Border Patrol agent shot the man, who allegedly had a handgun and resisted disarming. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara called for federal agencies to operate with discipline and integrity. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz demanded the President end the operation and remove federal officers from the state. This incident follows a previous shooting earlier in the month where an ICE officer killed a woman in Minneapolis.

Christian leaders are advocating for the protection of worshippers' rights after a group of protesters disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. The incident occurred at Cities Church, a Southern Baptist church, during a Sunday service. Approximately three dozen protesters entered the church, chanting slogans like "ICE out" and referencing a woman fatally shot by an ICE officer. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the disruption, which targeted the church due to one of its pastors being an official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protesters were demonstrating against immigration enforcement policies.

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 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, along with Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in January 2026 to halt a hardline immigration enforcement operation. The lawsuit, accompanied by a request for a restraining order, was prompted by what local officials described as a "federal invasion" involving thousands of immigration agents and the deployment of additional Border Patrol officers. The state Attorney General alleges constitutional violations, including excessive force, warrantless arrests, and targeting of sensitive locations. The legal action follows protests sparked by the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis mother of three by an ICE agent during the operation. The Department of Homeland Security characterizes the deployment as its largest enforcement operation in history.

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.