Trump Says No ICE Surge Without City Request, Lamont Says

Connecticut governor presses president on immigration policy during White House meeting.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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During a closed-door meeting with a group of bipartisan governors, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont asked President Donald Trump about the lessons learned from the federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. To Lamont's surprise, Trump said there won't be a surge of ICE agents in cities unless they specifically request it, a shift from the administration's previous stance.

Why it matters

Lamont's question highlighted the ongoing tensions between the federal government and state/local authorities over immigration enforcement. Trump's response suggests a potential change in the administration's approach, which could have significant implications for how immigration policy is implemented across the country.

The details

In the meeting, Lamont pressed Trump on the "mass deportation" tactics used in Minneapolis, asking how that experience was a "learning lesson." Trump responded by saying the administration will not send ICE agents into cities that don't request it, a departure from the administration's previous stance of unilaterally deploying federal agents. The White House later clarified that Trump was referring specifically to "public safety surges" rather than all ICE operations, which will continue nationwide.

  • The meeting between Trump and the bipartisan group of governors took place on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • The administration recently announced the wind-down of the ICE surge in Minneapolis following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

The players

Ned Lamont

The governor of Connecticut who questioned Trump about the administration's immigration crackdown tactics.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who responded to Lamont's question by saying ICE will not be sent to cities without a request.

Renee Good

An individual who was fatally shot in Minneapolis, prompting the administration to wind down the ICE surge in the city.

Alex Pretti

An individual who was fatally shot in Minneapolis, prompting the administration to wind down the ICE surge in the city.

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What they’re saying

“I'll tell you, I appreciate that question. And he said, 'I'll tell you what we learned. We're not going to send ICE into any cities that don't ask for it.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (ctmirror.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.