The Trump administration has announced the end of a two-month immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, marking a significant shift in a high-profile federal operation that drew sharp political reactions across the state.
Read More: Protests spread nationwide over federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota
The operation, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), deployed nearly 3,000 federal agents to the Twin Cities under what officials called “Operation Metro Surge.” According to federal authorities, the initiative resulted in approximately 4,000 arrests. Two U.S. citizens also died during the period, though officials did not immediately provide further details.
🚨 HOLY SMOKES: Tom Homan just dropped major news — Minnesota counties are now opening jail doors to ICE, and the level of cooperation is being called unprecedented.
Translation: criminals are being taken into custody, not dumped back onto the streets. This is a massive shift —… pic.twitter.com/KzSXPWZDHi
— Commentary 🇺🇸 Tom Homan (@HomanNews) February 4, 2026
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
TIM WALZ.. ITS OVER!
Minnesota counties just CAVED.ICE is now being let INTO THE JAILS to take custody of illegal aliens BEFORE they’re released back onto the streets.
That’s right…
No more catch-and-release.
No more dumping criminals back into communities.… pic.twitter.com/guYUxfFuGs— A Gene Robinson (@AlBuffalo2nite) February 4, 2026
Speaking from Minneapolis, border czar Tom Homan confirmed that a “significant drawdown” is underway, with most agents returning to their home bases or reassigned elsewhere. A limited federal presence will remain to wrap up the operation’s final phase.
Homan defended the campaign, stating that Minnesota is now “less of a sanctuary state for criminals” as a result of the enforcement effort. He reiterated that mass deportation remains a policy priority and said coordination with local jails had strengthened federal enforcement capabilities while maintaining minimal public visibility.
State leaders, however, strongly criticised the operation. Governor Tim Walz described the deployment as “an unprecedented federal invasion in all aspects of life,” warning of long-term social and economic consequences. Minneapolis City Council President Elliot Payne expressed skepticism about the withdrawal, saying he would believe it “when I see it.” Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan echoed similar doubts.
Read More: Judge orders release of 5-year-old detained in Minnesota ICE raid
Local officials also noted that previous enforcement surges in Los Angeles and Chicago ended without formal public announcements.
As federal agents scale back operations, questions remain about the long-term impact on communities, immigration enforcement policy, and relations between state and federal authorities.