Trump Administration to End Surge of Immigration Agents in Minnesota

Deployment of federal agents to the state will be scaled back after months of protests and clashes with local officials.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Trump administration announced it will be ending its deployment of immigration agents to Minnesota, unwinding an aggressive operation that has stretched for more than two months despite opposition from residents and local officials. The federal crackdown, which saw thousands of agents flood the state, has resulted in over 4,000 arrests and several fatal shootings, sparking widespread protests.

Why it matters

The immigration operation in Minnesota represented an unprecedented federal intrusion into a state, with agents outnumbering local police forces and clashing with residents and officials. The drawdown signals a shift in the administration's hardline approach, though concerns remain about the long-term impact on immigrant communities.

The details

Federal border czar Tom Homan said a 'significant drawdown' of agents has already begun and will continue over the next week. Homan claimed the operation was a success, saying Minnesota is 'now less of a sanctuary state for criminals.' However, local officials remained skeptical, with Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne saying he'll 'believe it when I see it.' The crackdown saw agents make over 4,000 arrests and fatally shoot two U.S. citizens, sparking widespread protests.

  • The immigration crackdown in Minnesota began in late 2025.
  • On January 24, 2026, an agent shot and wounded a Venezuelan man who was in the country illegally.
  • In the last couple weeks, there has been a 'big change' in the tone of the operation, according to Homan.

The players

Tom Homan

The White House border czar who announced the drawdown of immigration agents from Minnesota.

Elliott Payne

The president of the Minneapolis City Council, who expressed skepticism about the promised drawdown.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis, who celebrated the end of the immigration crackdown and praised how residents had responded.

Renee Good

A mother of three who was fatally shot by federal agents during the crackdown.

Alex Pretti

An intensive-care nurse who was also fatally shot by federal agents during the crackdown.

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What they’re saying

“As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals.”

— Tom Homan, White House border czar (modbee.com)

“I'll believe it when I see it.”

— Elliott Payne, President of the Minneapolis City Council (modbee.com)

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

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis (modbee.com)

What’s next

The practical effect of the drawdown remains somewhat unclear, as some residents and officials say immigration agents still seem to be present in the region. The Trump administration and Minnesota's leaders also remain at odds over policies that limit cooperation on immigration enforcement.

The takeaway

The end of the aggressive immigration crackdown in Minnesota represents a shift in the Trump administration's hardline approach, though concerns remain about the long-term impact on immigrant communities and the ongoing tensions between federal and local officials over immigration enforcement.