The United States Department of Homeland Security will withdraw 700 federal immigration enforcement officers from Minneapolis and surrounding areas “effective immediately,” White House border czar Tom Homan announced on Wednesday during a press briefing. Homan, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to oversee immigration enforcement operations in the state, said the partial drawdown reflects increased cooperation from state and local authorities. He described the change as a step toward reducing the federal footprint while the broader immigration mission continues.
The 700 personnel include agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) who were part of a large federal deployment initiated last December as part of “Operation Metro Surge.” With this drawdown, roughly 2,000 federal agents will still remain in Minnesota, a number far above the typical pre-surge staffing levels.
Homan said local cooperation, particularly agreements with county officials to alert ICE when individuals are arrested, has made it possible to reduce the number of officers on the streets. He credited the change with creating a “safer environment” that lessened the need for as many federal personnel. The border czar also emphasized that the reduction does not signal an end to immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota or nationally, reiterating the administration’s broader commitment to immigration enforcement and mass deportations under current policy.
The federal operation in Minneapolis has been marked by intense criticism, widespread protests, and legal challenges, especially after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti during enforcement actions. Local leaders, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have welcomed the reduction but say it is not enough and have called for a full end to the operation. Critics in Congress and advocacy groups have also condemned the initial surge and the continued presence of thousands of agents, arguing that it strains community trust and civil liberties. Federal lawsuits have been filed to limit immigration enforcement activities near schools and other sensitive locations.
While the drawdown of 700 personnel takes place immediately, Homan made clear that a complete withdrawal depends on ongoing cooperation with local officials and a reduction in what federal authorities describe as “illegal or threatening activities” against immigration teams.
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