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

White House border official Tom Homan announced the Trump administration is reducing its immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota's Twin Cities area. Over 1,000 immigration agents have already left, with hundreds more scheduled to depart soon, returning the area to its original ICE footprint. A small security force will remain temporarily to protect remaining agents and respond to potential disruptions. Agents will continue investigating fraud allegations and the church protest. The operation, known as "Operation Metro Surge," was the Department of Homeland Security's largest immigration enforcement operation ever, but faced criticism after two U.S. citizens were killed.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated that the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota could end within days. The crackdown involves plain-clothed federal agents making arrests, as evidenced by images showing agents pursuing and apprehending individuals at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on February 10, 2026. Other photos show Governor Walz at a press conference on January 25, 2026, and White House border czar Tom Homan holding a news conference in Minneapolis on January 29, 2026. The exact reasons for the crackdown and the specific agencies involved are not detailed in the provided text.

US border security chief Tom Homan announced the withdrawal of 700 immigration enforcement personnel from Minnesota, effective immediately. The decision follows increased cooperation agreements with local authorities, particularly regarding detaining individuals at county jails. Homan, sent to Minnesota after protests over the killings of two US citizens by immigration agents in January, cited the need for fewer officers due to the collaboration. Despite the drawdown, Homan emphasized that immigration enforcement operations will continue in Minnesota and across the country, aligning with President Trump's mass deportation goals. Reforms implemented since Homan's arrival include consolidating ICE and CBP under a single chain of command.

The Trump administration is reducing the number of federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota by 700, effective immediately. Border tsar Tom Homan announced the withdrawal of officers, citing increased cooperation from state and local officials in turning over arrested immigrants. This decision follows President Trump's indication of a willingness to ease tensions in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. Homan stated that the collaboration reduces the need for a large federal presence and creates a safer environment. He advocated for jails to notify ICE about potentially deportable inmates, arguing it's a safer alternative to officers searching for individuals in the country illegally.

The Trump administration, led by border czar Tom Homan, is immediately withdrawing approximately 700 federal immigration enforcement officers from Minnesota. This reduction, about a quarter of the total deployed in the state, follows increased cooperation from state and local officials in turning over arrested immigrants. Homan stated that a larger pullout depends on the cessation of interference with federal agents. Roughly 2,000 officers will remain in Minnesota after this initial drawdown. The administration has long sought cooperation from local jurisdictions to facilitate the arrest of immigrants, particularly those deemed criminal. Homan considers the ICE operation in Minnesota successful due to the number of individuals taken off the streets.