Trump Administration Ends Controversial Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota

Operation Metro Surge led to over 4,000 arrests and two fatal shootings by federal agents

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Trump administration has announced the end of a massive immigration crackdown in Minnesota after two and a half protest-filled months, 4,000 arrests and two fatal shootings by immigration officers. The crackdown, known as Operation Metro Surge, was focused on the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, home to the nation's largest Somali community. The operation sparked widespread protests and outrage, with state and local leaders pushing back against Trump's rhetoric targeting the Somali community.

Why it matters

The immigration crackdown in Minnesota highlighted the escalating tensions between the federal government and local communities over immigration enforcement. The operation led to the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and sparked concerns about the use of force by federal agents. It also raised questions about the Trump administration's targeting of the Somali community and the broader impact of its immigration policies on immigrant communities across the country.

The details

Operation Metro Surge began after weeks of escalating rhetoric by President Donald Trump criticizing Minnesota's Somali community. The crackdown led to the arrest of over 4,000 people, including 12 people in the initial sweep. Federal agents used pepper spray to push through crowds of protesters who tried to block their vehicles. Protests became commonplace throughout the Twin Cities, with residents working to help immigrants, warn people of approaching agents, and film immigration officers' actions. The operation also led to charges against 92 people, 82 of whom were Somali Americans, in a housing services fraud investigation.

  • The immigration crackdown began after weeks of escalating rhetoric by President Donald Trump criticizing Minnesota's Somali community.
  • On January 18, federal agents broke open the front door of a Minnesota home and detained a U.S. citizen at gunpoint without a warrant.
  • On January 23, Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
  • On January 25, a 51-year-old Venezuelan man was shot in the leg by ICE agents.
  • On January 27, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a VA hospital, was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who initiated the immigration crackdown in Minnesota and made controversial statements targeting the Somali community.

Tim Walz

The Democratic governor of Minnesota who pushed back against Trump's rhetoric and expressions of contempt for the Somali community.

Renee Good

A 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a VA hospital who was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis.

Tom Homan

Trump's border czar who was put in charge of the crackdown in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.