Border Czar Homan Announces End to Deadly ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in Minnesota
The controversial immigration enforcement campaign in Minnesota, known as “Operation Metro Surge,” is officially winding down after weeks of unrest, mass detentions, and two fatal shootings, border czar Tom Homan confirmed on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Homan stated that the surge had achieved its objectives and that federal forces would begin a significant drawdown immediately.
“As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals,” Homan declared. “I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude.”
Deep Search: Inside Operation Metro Surge
Launched on December 1, 2025, Operation Metro Surge represented one of the most aggressive federal interventions in a major U.S. metropolitan area in recent history. At its peak, the operation deployed approximately 3,000 federal agents—including personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—into the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
Federal authorities report that the sweeps resulted in over 4,000 arrests. While the administration characterized the targets as “dangerous criminal aliens,” internal reports and local witnesses indicate a wide net that detained numerous individuals with no criminal records, including collateral detentions of U.S. citizens.
The operation reached a breaking point following two high-profile fatalities involving federal agents. On January 7, Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE officer. Less than three weeks later, on January 24, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old critical care nurse, was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents. These incidents triggered daily protests and intensified scrutiny on the tactical rules of engagement used by the surge teams.
Objections from Local Leaders and Residents
The federal operation faced fierce opposition from Minnesota’s political leadership and community organizations. Governor Tim Walz described the surge as an “occupation” and a campaign of “retribution” rather than a legitimate public safety effort. “Operation Metro Surge is not making Minnesota safer,” Walz said earlier this week, emphasizing that the state needs answers regarding the deaths of Good and Pretti.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who met with Homan on Monday, has been vocal about the need for a total withdrawal, citing the trauma inflicted on local neighborhoods. Despite Homan’s claims of “unprecedented cooperation” from local jails, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt publicly clarified that her office’s policy remains unchanged: they do not enforce civil immigration requests for ICE.
On the streets, the sentiment remains raw. Protesters have maintained a presence near federal buildings for weeks, carrying signs reading “Stop Killing Us” and “ICE Out.” Legal advocacy groups have also raised alarms about the lack of due process, alleging that residents were detained indiscriminately in public spaces, creating a climate of fear that kept families from seeking medical care or attending school.
Background on the Crackdown
Tom Homan, appointed as President Trump’s “border czar,” took direct command of the Minnesota operation in late January, specifically to manage the escalating crisis following the second fatal shooting. His presence was intended to streamline the chain of command and address the “political backlash” that had garnered national attention.
The operation was part of a broader administration strategy to challenge “sanctuary” jurisdictions—cities and states that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. By flooding the area with federal agents, the administration sought to bypass local non-cooperation policies. While Homan touts the operation as a success for forcing compliance, the heavy-handed tactics have deepened the rift between state and federal authorities. Although 700 agents were withdrawn last week, approximately 2,000 remained on the ground prior to Thursday’s announcement, with a full exit timeline now set to unfold over the coming days.
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