Minnesota Governor Expects End to Federal Immigration Crackdown

Walz says federal operation in the state could conclude in 'days, not weeks and months'

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he expects the federal immigration crackdown in the state to end soon, based on his recent conversations with top Trump administration officials. Walz said he spoke with border czar Tom Homan and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, and he is in a 'trust but verify mode' regarding the potential end of what he called an 'occupation' and 'retribution campaign' against the state.

Why it matters

The federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota has had a significant economic impact, with businesses in areas like the Malcolm Yards food hall struggling as employees and customers avoid the area due to fear. Walz is hopeful the crackdown will end, but wants to verify the information before fully trusting it.

The details

Walz said he expects to hear more from the administration 'in the next day or so' about the future of the federal immigration operation in Minnesota. He indicated he hopes border czar Tom Homan will announce the end of the crackdown by the end of the week, with federal officers leaving 'in days, not weeks and months.' However, Walz added that things could still change, and the state will need to verify the information.

  • On January 31, border czar Tom Homan took over the Minnesota immigration operation.
  • On February 9, Walz spoke with Homan about the potential end of the federal crackdown.
  • On February 10, Walz spoke with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles about the potential end of the federal crackdown.

The players

Tim Walz

The Democratic governor of Minnesota who expects the federal immigration crackdown in the state to end soon.

Tom Homan

The border czar who took over the Minnesota immigration operation in late January and is expected to announce the end of the federal crackdown.

Susie Wiles

The White House chief of staff who Walz spoke with about the potential end of the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“We're very much in a trust but verify mode.”

— Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota (audacy.com)

“It would be my hope that Mr. Homan goes out before Friday and announces that this thing is done, and they're bringing her down and they're bringing her down in days.”

— Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota (audacy.com)

What’s next

Walz expects to hear more from the Trump administration 'in the next day or so' about the future of the federal immigration operation in Minnesota.

The takeaway

The federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota has had significant economic impacts, and Governor Walz is hopeful the operation will end soon, but he wants to verify the information before fully trusting it. The state will need to continue monitoring the situation to ensure the federal presence is truly reduced in the coming days.