rki.news
Source: Reuters
MINNESOTA — Federal immigration authorities have begun scaling back Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota after officials cited unprecedented cooperation with local law enforcement, according to Reuters.
ICE official Tom Homan, appointed by the Trump administration to oversee the operation, described it as a “great success,” noting that more than 4,000 undocumented immigrants were arrested, including individuals convicted of serious crimes such as rape and sexual misconduct. Homan said ICE will continue maintaining a presence in the state, though at reduced levels.
Last week, Homan announced the removal of 700 immigration agents, leaving approximately 2,000 federal officers in Minnesota. The drawdown follows enhanced coordination with Minneapolis police and local jails, which have increased notifications to ICE regarding release dates for targeted individuals.
Homan also met with Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, urging officials to “tone down the rhetoric,” which he said contributed to tensions around the operation. He described Minnesota as becoming “less of a sanctuary state,” pointing to growing collaboration with federal authorities.
Critics, however, argue that ICE tactics, including stops and searches, intensified community unrest and protests during the surge. The operation sparked nationwide attention and debate over immigration enforcement and public safety policies.
The scaling back reflects the Trump administration’s effort to balance federal immigration priorities with local cooperation, while reducing federal presence in the state to more routine levels.