Ilhan Omar Demands End to 'Occupation' as Border Agents Remain in Minnesota

Despite a drawdown of 700 agents, around 2,000 federal immigration officers are expected to stay in the state, sparking outrage from the congresswoman.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:07pm

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President Donald Trump's 'border czar,' Tom Homan, announced that 700 immigration agents are leaving Minnesota, but with around 2,000 expected to remain, Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, whose district includes Minneapolis, declared that the drawdown is 'not enough.' Omar argued that 'every single ICE and CBP agent should be out of Minnesota' and that the 'occupation has to end.'

Why it matters

The presence of federal immigration agents in Minnesota has sparked outrage and protests, with concerns raised about constitutional violations, the targeting of immigrant communities, and the deaths of two individuals during the operations. Omar's calls to fully withdraw the agents reflect growing demands to end Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement agenda.

The details

As part of Trump's 'Operation Metro Surge,' agents with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have invaded multiple Minnesota cities, including Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and committed various acts of violence, such as fatally shooting Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Despite the announced drawdown of 700 agents, around 2,000 federal immigration officers are expected to remain in the state.

  • On Wednesday, Tom Homan announced that 700 immigration agents are leaving Minnesota.
  • Around 2,000 federal immigration officers are expected to remain in the state.

The players

Ilhan Omar

A Democratic Congresswoman whose district includes Minneapolis.

Tom Homan

President Donald Trump's 'border czar' who announced the drawdown of 700 immigration agents from Minnesota.

Alex Pretti

An individual fatally shot by federal immigration agents during the operations in Minnesota.

Renee Good

An individual fatally shot by federal immigration agents during the operations in Minnesota.

Jaylani Hussein

The executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

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What they’re saying

“This occupation has to end!”

— Ilhan Omar, Congresswoman (rawstory.com)

“The limited drawdown of ICE agents from Minnesota is not a concession. It is a direct response to Minnesotans standing up to unconstitutional federal overreach.”

— Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota (rawstory.com)

“Tom Homan's announcement that 700 federal immigration agents will be withdrawn from Minnesota is more a minor concession than a meaningful policy shift. The vast majority—approximately 2,000 federal agents—remain deployed in the state, and enforcement operations continue unabated.”

— Not Above the Law coalition co-chairs (rawstory.com)

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.