Federal Immigration Agents Leaving Minnesota After Controversial Operation

Border czar announces drawdown of officers following widespread claims of brutal tactics and deaths of residents

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Border czar Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge, a federal operation that brought thousands of immigration officers into Minnesota. The operation resulted in widespread claims of brutal tactics and the deaths of two Minneapolis residents. Homan touted the success of the operation, claiming federal authorities had made over 4,000 arrests, but Minnesota's governor and Minneapolis' mayor condemned the impact on the state and city.

Why it matters

The controversial federal immigration operation in Minnesota sparked strong local opposition and allegations of aggressive tactics by ICE agents against residents regardless of immigration status. The operation left the state and city with 'deep damage, generational trauma' and 'economic ruin' according to state and local officials.

The details

Homan announced a 'significant drawdown' of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents over the next week, though a 'small footprint of personnel' will remain to help transition operations back to the local ICE field office. Federal authorities involved with prosecutions of ICE protesters and an investigation into alleged fraud within Minnesota's social-services programs will also remain. Homan defended the operation, denying claims of aggressive tactics and saying officers never made arrests in churches or hospitals.

  • On Thursday, border czar Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge.
  • Earlier this month, Homan directed the withdrawal of 700 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.
  • The 'significant drawdown' of officers will continue through next week.

The players

Tom Homan

Border czar who announced the end of Operation Metro Surge.

Tim Walz

Minnesota governor who addressed Homan's announcement, saying the federal operation left the state with 'deep damage, generational trauma' and 'economic ruin'.

Jacob Frey

Minneapolis mayor whose city faced the brunt of the federal government's ire, praising his constituents for their resiliency.

Ilhan Omar

Minnesota congresswoman whose district encompasses Minneapolis, saying putting an end to Operation Metro Surge is 'not enough' and calling for justice, accountability, and the impeachment of Kristi Noem.

Renee Good

Minneapolis resident who was killed by federal agents during the operation.

Alex Pretti

Minneapolis resident who was killed by federal agents during the operation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A significant drawdown has already been underway this week and will continue through the next week.”

— Tom Homan, Border czar (nymag.com)

“They left us with deep damage, generational trauma. They left us with economic ruin in some cases. They left us with many unanswered questions.”

— Tim Walz, Minnesota governor (nymag.com)

“They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation.”

— Jacob Frey, Minneapolis mayor (nymag.com)

“We need justice and accountability. That starts with independent investigations into the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, economic restitution for businesses impacted, abolishing ICE, and the impeachment of Kristi Noem.”

— Ilhan Omar, Minnesota congresswoman (nymag.com)

What’s next

Federal authorities involved with the prosecutions of ICE protesters as well as the government's ongoing investigation into alleged fraud within Minnesota's social-services programs will 'remain in place until their work is done.'

The takeaway

The controversial federal immigration operation in Minnesota has left deep scars on the state and its largest city, with state and local officials demanding justice, accountability, and economic restitution for the damage caused by the aggressive tactics of federal agents.