U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to scale back his controversial deportation operation in Minnesota, as tensions simmer down after a tumultuous period that saw militarized immigration agents deployed on streets and the deaths of two US citizens.
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, announced at a press conference on Thursday that Operation Metro Surge would end. The surge had drawn criticism from Governor Tim Walz and many residents of Minneapolis who filled the streets in protest, leading to heated clashes with immigration agents wearing military-style gear. Trump, under pressure both domestically and internationally, had defended his decision as necessary for public safety but faced escalating scrutiny over its conduct.
Operation Metro Surge was initially deployed in late January by 3,000 armed federal agents, including many from other states. While Homan suggested only about 700 agents would be withdrawn initially, he also announced plans to send the remainder home within a week. This move represented an acknowledgment of criticism that had swirled throughout Trump’s presidency—particularly from fellow Republicans.
Walz, who had filed lawsuits against Trump administration officials and requested court orders to halt the operation, stated in his statement: “The long road to recovery starts now.” Despite the end of Operation Metro Surge, he emphasized that efforts to ensure public safety would continue. Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis, echoed Walz’s sentiment, asserting that the effects on the community wouldn’t be undone quickly.
Critics have argued that while Trump claimed the operation was meant for public safety, its militarized enforcement had exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in Minnesota’s already strained resources and infrastructure. Moreover, there were disagreements over whether Trump’s characterization of migrants as violent criminals or fraudsters was accurate or justified given the context of Operation Metro Surge.
In light of these criticisms, Rand Paul, a Republican senator who serves as the committee chairman overseeing homeland security, criticized how officials had initially described the deaths of two Americans during the operation. Paul argued that such dismissive language could provoke further unrest rather than defuse tensions. Homan’s announcement was met with skepticism from some within Minnesota’s community.
Avonna Starck, an environmental activist who runs a nonprofit in Minneapolis and serves on school boards for suburban districts, expressed her dissatisfaction about the incomplete removal of agents. “They’re not removing all agents,” she said, suggesting that communities remained vulnerable to potential future harm despite Homan’s announcement.
For Miguel Hernandez, owner of Lito’s Burritos—a small local business known for its support of immigrant rights in Minneapolis—he believes that accountability is still missing from Trump administration efforts, especially regarding the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. His frustration echoes sentiments shared by many residents who feel their community remains under siege.
This move marks a notable departure from the aggressive stance Trump had been taking on immigration enforcement. As Homan made his announcement, he reiterated that ICE would continue to identify illegal aliens that pose risks, albeit with reassurances of professionalism and compassion in its operations.
Minnesota’s response suggests ongoing challenges despite President Trump’s stated intent to reduce deportations. The community appears determined to maintain vigilance over future actions, ensuring public safety without undermining constitutional rights or exacerbating fear among residents who face heightened scrutiny due to immigration enforcement efforts.