The Department of Homeland Security announced the withdrawal of about 700 federal immigration agents – including personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) – from Minnesota, effective immediately. This reduction comes amid Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale enforcement effort that began late last year and saw thousands of agents deployed to the Twin Cities region.
🔍 Background: The operation has been controversial and marked by rising tensions between federal agents and local communities, especially after fatal encounters involving two U.S. citizens during enforcement activities. That tension sparked protests, legal challenges from school districts and local officials, and a broader debate over federal immigration enforcement tactics.
🤝 Why the Pullback? Border “czar” Tom Homan, a key adviser overseeing immigration operations, said the drawdown reflects improved cooperation with state and local authorities and a focus on public-safety threats rather than broad enforcement. Despite the reduction, around 2,000 agents will remain in Minnesota – a far larger presence than before the surge began.
⚖️ Federal Stance: The administration has emphasized that this is not a retreat from enforcing immigration laws nationwide. Officials stress continued prioritization of public safety and removal of individuals unlawfully present in the country.
📍 Local Response: Minnesota leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have been vocal in criticizing the federal presence and have called for a full end to the operation. Public and legal pushback played into the broader environment that led to this partial drawdown.
Stay tuned as this story evolves and we bring more updates from across the nation and right here in Nevada.
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