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Trump Administration Ends Major ICE Enforcement Operation in Minnesota
In a dramatic shift, the Trump administration has announced the end of “Operation Metro Surge,” a large-scale immigration enforcement campaign in Minnesota that drew national attention, widespread protests and fierce political backlash. The announcement came on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed that the immigration crackdown would wind down after weeks of controversy and unrest.
What the Operation Was
Launched in December 2025, Operation Metro Surge represented what the Department of Homeland Security described as the “largest immigration enforcement operation ever” in the state, centered on the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. At its peak, thousands of federal agents – including personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection, and Border Patrol – were deployed to conduct aggressive sweeps aimed at identifying and arresting undocumented immigrants.
Officials hailed the crackdown as a necessary campaign against crime and undocumented immigration, with more than 4,000 arrests reported as part of the effort.  However, critics argued that the measures went far beyond targeting criminals and instead terrorized broader immigrant communities.
Fatal Shootings and Rising Tensions
The enforcement sweep rapidly became highly controversial after two Minneapolis residents – Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both U.S. citizens – were killed during confrontations with federal agents. The deaths sparked outrage from local communities, civil rights groups, and political leaders across the country, who condemned the use of lethal force and accused ICE of overreach.
In response to the brutal footage and rising public anger, mass demonstrations erupted throughout Minnesota, with thousands of protesters calling for the withdrawal of ICE agents and demanding protections for immigrant families.
Political Backlash and Legal Pressure
Beyond the streets, the operation faced legal challenges and political scrutiny. Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, criticized the federal deployment as disruptive and harmful to businesses, schools, and social cohesion. Federal lawsuits and judge rulings also highlighted civil liberties concerns, including findings that detainees were denied adequate access to legal counsel.
Lawmakers from both parties raised questions about the administration’s strategy, and opinion polls showed significant public skepticism toward such expansive enforcement tactics.
Decision to End the Operation
At a press conference announcing the conclusion of the crackdown, Tom Homan said he had proposed ending the surge and President Trump concurred. He framed the decision as a success that had made communities safer and reduced Minnesota’s status as what federal officials labelled a “sanctuary state” for criminals. The withdrawal, he explained, would be gradual over the coming week, with agents returning to normal duties or being reassigned elsewhere.
Despite ending the broader operation, Homan and the White House stressed that immigration enforcement would continue in Minnesota and across the U.S. through targeted actions prioritizing public safety threats.
Reactions from Minnesota Leaders
Reactions among Minnesota officials were mixed. While some local leaders welcomed the drawdown as a necessary step toward restoring normalcy, others remained deeply critical of the federal campaign’s long-lasting effects.
• Governor Tim Walz said the state would begin recovery efforts, noting that the operation left behind economic and emotional scars.
• Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly celebrated the federal withdrawal, framing it as a victory for community resilience.
• Civil rights advocates continue to call for accountability regarding the shootings and alleged civil liberties violations during the enforcement.
What Comes Next
While the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge marks a major retreat from one of the most aggressive immigration enforcement campaigns in years, it does not signal an end to ICE activity nationwide. Federal officials insist that routine immigration enforcement will persist and that lessons from Minnesota will shape future operations.
The decision, however, underscores the political and social limits of expansive federal enforcement when met with sustained local resistance and tragic outcomes. It also highlights the growing national debate over immigration policy, enforcement priorities, and the use of federal authority in local communities.
Attached is a news article regarding ICE ending operations in Minnesota
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2lr9w29zwyo
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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