Minnesota Governor Expects Federal Immigration Crackdown to End Soon

Walz says he has 'trust but verify' conversations with top Trump administration officials about winding down the operation.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said on Tuesday that he expects the federal immigration crackdown in the state to end in 'days, not weeks and months,' 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 hopeful the operation will be winding down soon, though he added that he is in a 'trust but verify mode' and things could still change.

Why it matters

The federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota has been a source of growing political backlash and questions about how the operation was being run, with concerns about the economic impact on local businesses and communities. Walz's comments suggest a potential de-escalation of the federal presence in the state, which could ease tensions and allow state and local authorities to regain control.

The details

Walz said he expects to hear more from the administration 'in the next day or so' about the future of what he described as an 'occupation' and a 'retribution campaign' against the state. He said he has no reason not to believe Homan's statement last week that 700 federal officers would leave Minnesota immediately, though that would still leave 2,300 on Minnesota's streets. Walz also indicated that he expects the state will get 'cooperation on joint investigations' into the shooting deaths of two individuals by federal officers, which has been a point of friction between federal and state authorities.

  • On Monday, Walz spoke with border czar Tom Homan.
  • On Tuesday morning, Walz spoke with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
  • Last week, Homan stated that 700 federal officers would leave Minnesota immediately.

The players

Tim Walz

The Democratic governor of Minnesota who has been critical of the federal immigration crackdown in the state.

Tom Homan

The border czar who took over the Minnesota operation in late January after the second fatal shooting by federal officers.

Susie Wiles

The White House chief of staff with whom Walz spoke on Tuesday morning.

Renee Good

An individual who was fatally shot by federal officers, sparking investigations and friction between federal and state authorities.

Alex Pretti

Another individual who was fatally shot by federal officers, also sparking investigations and friction between federal and state authorities.

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What they’re saying

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

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

“Using local government courthouses for federal civil immigration enforcement interferes with the administration of justice, prevents witnesses from testifying and robs victims of their opportunity to seek justice.”

— Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney (wklh.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 crackdown in Minnesota.

The takeaway

The potential de-escalation of the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota could ease tensions between state and federal authorities, allowing for more cooperation on investigations and a return to normalcy for local businesses and communities impacted by the operation.