Minnesotans welcome the immigration surge drawdown but remain vigilant

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.

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.

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.

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 the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis, the Trump administration is considering reducing its presence in the city if local officials cooperate with federal authorities. White House Border Tsar Tom Homan stated the immigration enforcement operation would continue, but in a more "targeted" manner. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have sparked protests and criticism, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, calling for a complete withdrawal of federal agents. The state has also requested a federal judge halt "Operation Metro Surge," involving approximately 3,000 DHS officers. The administration has criticized Minneapolis' "sanctuary city policy" and demands more cooperation from state and local officials, though specific demands remain unclear.

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.

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.

Legal battles are intensifying over immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino held a press conference in Minneapolis on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to defend the tactics used by Border Patrol and ICE, asserting they are lawful, ethical, and moral. The operations have faced scrutiny, leading to legal challenges. Activists have also taken action, including disrupting church services where a Minnesota ICE official serves as a pastor. The controversy surrounds the enforcement activities carried out by federal immigration officers in locations like Maplewood and St. Paul, Minnesota.

The US Justice Department (DOJ) is investigating Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, to determine if they obstructed federal immigration agents. The probe follows a lawsuit filed by the state against the Department of Homeland Security regarding controversial immigration raids. The DOJ is reviewing whether state officials conspired to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from performing their duties. The investigation is occurring after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a US citizen, during one of the raids. State officials have criticized the DOJ investigation, calling it politically motivated and a distraction.

The Trump administration is urging a judge to reject Minnesota's efforts to stop its immigration crackdown. The state and several cities have filed lawsuits against federal immigration authorities, claiming that their actions are unconstitutional. According to ChongLy "Scott" Thao, a U.S. citizen was detained by ICE agents at gunpoint without a warrant in his home in Maplewood, Minnesota. The detention occurred on January 20, 2026, and involved the agent entering the home with guns drawn. The Trump administration is seeking to block these lawsuits, arguing that federal immigration authorities have broad authority to enforce immigration laws. The case involves the constitutionality of ICE's actions in Minnesota.

A 37-year-old U.S. citizen was fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis during a targeted operation at 9:05 a.m. local time. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the operation involved Border Patrol officers targeting an individual allegedly in the country illegally and wanted for violent assault. The DHS claims the deceased approached officers with a handgun and violently resisted attempts to disarm him. Authorities have pleaded for calm amid rising tensions and questions surrounding the incident. The shooting occurred less than three weeks after an ICE officer was killed. Further details regarding the struggle are expected to be released.

Federal officers shot and killed a 37-year-old man in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during an immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. The Associated Press obtained a hospital record confirming the death. Following the shooting, federal immigration officers deployed tear gas, including towards observers at the scene. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated he contacted the White House regarding the incident. The shooting occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement efforts.

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, protests have erupted following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. The incident, which occurred days prior to the news report, involved the death of a US citizen. Protesters have been confronting federal agents, expressing their anger and demanding answers regarding the shooting. Demonstrations have continued around the city, resulting in arrests of some protesters. The events are unfolding as of January 13, 2026, the date of the news report. The protests highlight tensions between the community and Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the wake of the deadly shooting.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.