Minnesota Immigration Crackdown Ending, Federal Authorities Say

Operation that led to thousands of arrests and two deaths is being scaled back, border chief announces.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Trump administration is ending a major immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota that has resulted in over 4,000 arrests, violent protests, and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by border patrol agents over the past two months, according to border czar Tom Homan. The announcement marks a significant retreat from an operation that has become a major distraction for the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The crackdown in Minnesota has been a flashpoint in the debate over President Trump's mass deportation efforts, with many people with no criminal records, including children and U.S. citizens, also being detained. The operation has also led to increased tensions and protests in the state.

The details

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation, called the Department of Homeland Security's 'largest immigration enforcement operation ever', focused on the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Homan said the surge is leaving Minnesota 'safer' and 'less of a sanctuary state for criminals', though many of those arrested had no criminal records.

  • The operation started in December 2025.
  • Over 4,000 arrests were made in the two-month period.
  • The operation will be ending in the coming days, not weeks or months.

The players

Tom Homan

The border czar who announced the end of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota.

Tim Walz

The Democratic governor of Minnesota who said the 'long road to recovery starts now' after Homan's announcement.

Renee Good

One of two U.S. citizens killed by border patrol agents during the crackdown.

Alex Pretti

The other U.S. citizen killed by federal officers during the immigration enforcement operation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The surge is leaving Minnesota safer. I'll say it again, it's less of a sanctuary state for criminals.”

— Tom Homan, Border Czar

“The long road to recovery starts now. The impact on our economy, our schools, and people's lives won't be reversed overnight. That work starts today.”

— Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota (Social media)

What’s next

Federal officers will continue to leave Minnesota in the coming week as the operation is scaled back.

The takeaway

The ending of this controversial immigration crackdown in Minnesota marks a significant retreat for the Trump administration, as the operation became a major distraction and led to increased tensions and protests in the state. However, the President's promise of mass deportation efforts is expected to continue in other parts of the country.