The Trump administration announced Thursday, Feb. 12, that it is ending its two-month immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a massive operation that flooded the Twin Cities with 3,000 federal agents.
As a result of the operation, 4,000 arrests were made and two American citizens were dead.
Border Czar Tom Homan confirmed from Minneapolis that a “significant retreat” is already underway.
He claimed that most agents have returned to home bases or have been deployed elsewhere.
A small footprint will be left to close what the administration called “Operation Metro Surge.”
Homan said, “As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a haven for criminals.”
In the past, Minnesota leaders have strongly condemned the operation. Tim Walz described it as “an unprecedented federal invasion of every aspect of life.”
“The long road to recovery starts now, they left us with deep damage, generational trauma. They left us with financial ruin in some cases,” he added.
Minnesota officials remain skeptical.
Minneapolis City Council President Elliot Payne said, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Lt. Peggy Flanagan echoed, “I won’t believe it until they’re actually gone.”
They also criticize the fact that no announcement was made by the administration when it conducted similar operations in Los Angeles and Chicago last year.
Homan’s announcement also confirmed “that mass deportation is still on the table and will continue to be our goal,” and working with local jails has “actually improved our ability to enforce and deport aliens with minimal visibility.”
