White House Announces End of Minnesota Deportation Surge
The White House has confirmed that the large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, known as Operation Metro Surge, will be brought to a close. Border czar Tom Homan announced the decision, stating that U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to conclude the operation after weeks of deployment and controversy.
The enforcement drive had seen around 3,000 armed immigration agents deployed by late January, making it one of the most extensive deportation operations conducted in the United States.
Withdrawal of Immigration Agents Begins
Homan said many immigration enforcement agents deployed from other states would return to their home jurisdictions over the coming week. Earlier, about 700 of the 3,000 agents had already been withdrawn. Before the surge began in January, Minnesota had roughly 150 immigration officers operating in the state.
Officials cited improved coordination with Minnesota law enforcement as one of the factors behind the decision to wind down the operation.
Political and Public Response
Operation Metro Surge triggered strong reactions across Minnesota, with Governor Tim Walz and local leaders opposing the enforcement campaign. Large-scale protests were held in major cities, drawing thousands of participants. The issue developed into a major political challenge for the administration.
The situation intensified following separate incidents in January in which immigration agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during protests and observation of enforcement activity.
Governor Walz said the state now faces a long process of recovery, highlighting concerns about impacts on public safety, communities, and local institutions.
Legal and Institutional Developments
Federal judges in Minnesota criticized administration officials, stating that immigration authorities had failed to comply with multiple court orders concerning detained migrants. The killings of Good and Pretti have also drawn scrutiny, with investigations continuing at various levels.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty confirmed that local prosecutors would continue examining actions by federal agents during the operation. Meanwhile, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison addressed a Senate committee in Washington on matters related to homeland security oversight.
Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Enforcement
While the administration described the operation as necessary for public safety, critics argued it weakened community trust and raised constitutional concerns. Some Republican leaders also questioned aspects of the operation and the handling of the fatal shootings.
Community members and advocacy groups have called for accountability, with continued debate over the long-term impact of the enforcement surge. The withdrawal of agents marks a significant shift, though discussions around immigration policy and enforcement remain ongoing.
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