Trump’s Border Czar Pulls 700 Immigration Officers Out of Minnesota Immediately

President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced an immediate withdrawal of about 700 federal immigration enforcement officers from Minnesota, trimming part of a large deployment that has drawn national scrutiny, protests and legal challenges.

By Maria Rodriguez – Senior Staff Writer

Last Updated: Feb. 4, 2026

Partial Drawdown Follows Local Cooperation

In a press briefing, Border Czar Tom Homan said that roughly a quarter of the federal officers deployed in Minnesota will be withdrawn effective immediately after state and local officials agreed to turn over arrested immigrants to federal immigration authorities. This cooperation, Homan stated, allowed for a safer environment requiring fewer agents in the field — even as broader enforcement operations continue. The drawdown reflects a shift in tactics amid ongoing controversy over the federal presence. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Operation Metro Surge Still in Place

The pullback of 700 officers comes amid the larger backdrop of “Operation Metro Surge,” a massive immigration enforcement initiative that began in early January and sent an unprecedented number of federal agents — roughly 3,000 at its height — into Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas. Even after this reduction, around 2,000 federal personnel will remain in the state, far above typical staffing levels, as the administration maintains its broader deportation strategy. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Community Tensions and Fatal Confrontations

The heightened federal presence has sparked significant public unrest. Weeks of protests have unfolded in Minneapolis and elsewhere, particularly after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents during clashes. These deaths intensified local criticism and prompted calls from state officials and advocacy groups for investigations and limits on enforcement operations. Critics argue the deployment has eroded trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Political and Legal Backlash

Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have both criticized the partial drawdown as insufficient, urging for a full end to the operation. In addition, lawsuits have been filed by school districts and teachers’ unions seeking to block immigration enforcement near schools, citing safety and educational disruptions. These actions underscore growing legal challenges to the administration’s tactics. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Federal Strategy and Future Outlook

While the withdrawal of 700 officers may signal a tactical shift, the Trump administration has emphasized that it is not abandoning its mission to enforce immigration laws. Homan and other officials reiterated the broader commitment to aggressive enforcement nationwide. The future of federal operations in Minnesota will depend on continued cooperation from local law enforcement, possible changes in public resistance, and ongoing political negotiations in Washington and state capitals. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}