Trump Administration Ends Large-Scale Immigration Enforcement Operation in Minnesota

Border czar Tom Homan announces the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge after weeks of heightened activity and criticism over fatal incidents.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The Trump administration has announced the end of its large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, known as Operation Metro Surge. Border czar Tom Homan confirmed the decision, stating that the operation is being scaled back following weeks of enforcement activity and coordination with local authorities. Homan acknowledged issues with the early execution of the operation and said President Trump has concurred with his proposal to conclude the surge.

Why it matters

The operation drew widespread criticism after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot in separate encounters involving immigration agents, prompting international outrage and renewed scrutiny of the enforcement effort. The decision to end the operation comes after discussions between federal officials, including Homan and the White House chief of staff, and state and local leaders in Minnesota.

The details

According to Homan, more than 4,000 arrests have been made since the operation began in late November 2026, though details on how many involved criminal charges have not been released. Homan also said more than 200 people were arrested for interfering with law enforcement during the crackdown. The operation initially deployed more than 3,000 immigration officers to Minnesota, far above the roughly 150 federal agents previously assigned to the area.

  • The surge operation began on November 29, 2026.
  • On February 13, 2026, Homan announced the decision to end the operation.
  • A 'significant drawdown' of federal immigration officers has already begun and is expected to continue into next week.

The players

Tom Homan

Border czar who confirmed the decision to end the immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.

President Trump

Concurred with Homan's proposal to conclude the surge operation.

Tim Walz

Minnesota Governor who expected the operation to wrap up within days, not months, following conversations with senior administration officials.

Jacob Frey

Minneapolis Mayor who described a recent meeting with Homan as productive and said discussions focused on further reducing the federal presence.

Renee Good

A 37-year-old U.S. citizen who was fatally shot in a separate encounter involving immigration agents during the operation.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital who was fatally shot in a confrontation tied to the enforcement effort.

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What they’re saying

“I have proposed and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude.”

— Tom Homan, Border czar (dailyfly.com)

“If you're in this country illegally, you're not off the table.”

— Tom Homan, Border czar (dailyfly.com)

“I don't want to see any more bloodshed. I pray every night for the safety or law enforcement personnel and the safety of those in the community, whether you're here legally or illegally I don't want to say anybody harmed.”

— Tom Homan, Border czar (dailyfly.com)

“As I said in my first press conference a couple weeks ago, President Trump didn't send me here because operation were being run and conducted perfectly. I came here to identify issues and implement solutions to improve our mission execution.”

— Tom Homan, Border czar (dailyfly.com)

“We've seen a big change here in the last couple of weeks. And it's all good changes.”

— Tom Homan, Border czar (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This decision to end the large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota comes after weeks of heightened activity, criticism over fatal incidents, and discussions between federal, state, and local officials. It highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges around immigration enforcement, as well as the need for balanced and measured approaches that prioritize public safety and community relations.