Border Czar Tom Homan speaks during a press conference at Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. February 12, 2026. REUTERS/Go Nakamura
(Minneapolis, Minnesota) – Federal officials announced Thursday they are ending a sweeping immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota that led to thousands of arrests, widespread protests, and two fatal shootings.
White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed the conclusion of the operation during a news conference in Minneapolis, calling it the Department of Homeland Security’s “largest immigration enforcement operation ever.”
The crackdown — focused primarily on the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area — resulted in more than 4,000 arrests, according to federal authorities.
“The surge is leaving Minnesota safer,” Homan said. “It’s less of a sanctuary state for criminals.”
Controversy and Backlash
The operation, known as “Operation Metro Surge,” began in December and quickly became a flashpoint in the national debate over President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policies.
Tensions escalated after two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis during the enforcement period. Their deaths sparked protests and intensified criticism from local and state leaders.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other officials have argued the federal presence harmed the state’s economy and created fear within immigrant communities.
A Political Turning Point?
The decision to wind down the operation comes amid mounting political pressure. A recent AP-NORC poll found that a majority of U.S. adults believe Trump’s immigration policies have gone too far.
Despite the backlash, federal officials characterized the operation as a success, emphasizing the scale of arrests and enforcement actions.
The end of the crackdown marks a notable shift in strategy after months of volatile clashes between federal authorities and state officials.
