Aftermath of ICE Surge Leaves Minnesota Seeking Answers

As federal agents depart, state grapples with trauma and calls for accountability

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The recent federal immigration enforcement operation known as 'Operation Metro Surge' in Minnesota has come to an end, but the state is left wrestling with the aftermath. While border czar Tom Homan claimed the mission was a success in combating fraud and making the Twin Cities safer, many Minnesotans are questioning the true purpose and outcomes of the surge. With reports of disrupted neighborhoods, shuttered businesses, and even two deaths officially ruled as homicides, state leaders are demanding transparency, accountability, and a reckoning for the damage done.

Why it matters

The heavy-handed tactics used during Operation Metro Surge have eroded public trust in the government, particularly among immigrant communities. Minnesota's governor has warned of 'generational trauma' stemming from the federal intervention. As the state grapples with the fallout, there are calls for a full investigation into the operation's justification and execution, as well as the deaths of two individuals during the surge.

The details

Over the course of 70 days, more than 3,000 federal immigration agents were deployed to Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge. The stated goals were to combat fraud tied to Somali American communities and make the Twin Cities safer. However, the operation resulted in broad sweeps that netted many individuals with little to no criminal history, rather than targeting dangerous individuals. The aggressive tactics, including the use of heavily armed and masked agents, visibly destabilized neighborhoods, shuttered businesses, and splintered families.

  • Operation Metro Surge began in December 2025 and lasted for 70 days.
  • On February 12, 2026, border czar Tom Homan announced that the operation would soon end and federal agents would be redeployed to other cities.

The players

Tom Homan

The border czar who announced the end of Operation Metro Surge and claimed it was a law enforcement success.

Tim Walz

The governor of Minnesota who has vowed to focus state policies and legislation on recovery from the impacts of the federal immigration operation.

Amy Klobuchar

A Minnesota senator who is running for governor and has called for accountability for the lives lost and abuses of power during the ICE surge.

Tom Emmer

A Republican U.S. Representative from Minnesota who blamed the unrest during the ICE surge on 'radical sanctuary state and city policies' by state Democrats.

Renee Good

An individual whose death during the ICE surge was officially ruled a homicide and deserves a full investigation.

Alex Pretti

Another individual whose death during the ICE surge was officially ruled a homicide and deserves a full investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our state has shown the world how to protect our democracy and take care of our neighbors. ICE withdrawing from Minnesota is just the beginning. We need accountability for the lives lost and the extraordinary abuses of power at the hands of ICE agents, and we must see a complete overhaul of the agency.”

— Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator (tucson.com)

“The unrest during the ICE surge is a direct result of radical sanctuary state and city policies in Minnesota by preventing local law enforcement from working together with federal law enforcement.”

— Tom Emmer, U.S. Representative (tucson.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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.