Concluding the Immigration Surge: A Shift in Minnesota's Enforcement Actions

Fri Feb 13 2026 04:35:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Tom Homan, the U.S. border tsar, announces the termination of the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, highlighting significant cooperation from local officials and touching upon the operation's successes and controversies.

Tom Homan has declared an end to the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, approved by President Trump. He credits increased cooperation from local officials for reducing targets. The operation, known as Metro Surge, faced national protests due to violence against citizens but also led to arrests of undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records. Homan assures a continued ICE presence, albeit on a smaller scale, as the operation winds down.

Concluding the Immigration Surge: A Shift in Minnesota's Enforcement Actions

Tom Homan, the U.S. border tsar, has announced the cessation of the recent immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota. The decision comes at the approval of President Donald Trump, marking a significant shift in local enforcement strategies.

During a news conference, Homan stated, I will also remain in Minnesota a little longer to oversee the drawdown, to ensure its success. He emphasized that the state has moved away from being perceived as a sanctuary, crediting improved cooperation from local authorities with federal immigration officers.

The surge, which saw an influx of over 2,000 immigration enforcement officers to Minnesota, was met with widespread protests. Activists and community members voiced their concerns following the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of federal agents during this operation.

Despite the pushback, Homan viewed the operation, labeled as Metro Surge, as a success, saying officials have significantly lowered the number of enforcement targets. He also noted the arrests of undocumented immigrants involved in severe crimes, labeling them as illegal aliens and emphasizing the continued presence of ICE in the state.

As Minnesota transitions back to its regular enforcement approach, Homan reassured that a small contingent of personnel will remain to manage the completion of this operation and maintain a presence as command shifts back to local offices.