- Speaking outside Minneapolis, Homan explained that the drawdown had already begun and would continue over the coming week
- He stressed that immigration enforcement would continue nationwide despite the reduction in Minnesota
- While ICE and Customs and Border Protection may continue operating with previously approved funds
A senior official in President Donald Trump’s administration has announced the wind-down of intensified immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota following weeks of unrest and public criticism.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Tom Homan, a top immigration official, said on Thursday that he recommended ending the large-scale deployment of federal agents in the state, a proposal the president approved.
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Speaking outside Minneapolis, Homan explained that the drawdown had already begun and would continue over the coming week.
In recent weeks, thousands of federal personnel, including officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), carried out extensive raids and arrests. The administration described the actions as focused efforts targeting individuals accused of criminal activity.
The operations, however, triggered widespread protests across the Minneapolis area, particularly after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, which occurred within weeks of each other. The incidents intensified criticism of the enforcement strategy.
Homan indicated that officers currently assigned to Minnesota would either return to their original posts or be reassigned to other parts of the country, though he did not specify potential locations.
He stressed that immigration enforcement would continue nationwide despite the reduction in Minnesota.
Immigration policy was a central theme of Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign. However, footage circulating online showing heavily armed, masked agents conducting arrests, along with reports alleging questionable targeting practices, has fueled debate and reportedly affected public opinion.
Public anger also grew after the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos earlier this year.
Following the killings, the administration replaced Customs and Border Protection commander Gregory Bovino with Homan, who has since sought dialogue with local Democratic officials.
Minneapolis is considered a “sanctuary” city, where local law enforcement does not collaborate with federal immigration authorities.
Democratic lawmakers have called for sweeping changes to ICE operations, including banning face coverings for agents, ending mobile patrols, and requiring judicial warrants for enforcement actions.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds federal immigration funding. If negotiations in Washington stall, the Department of Homeland Security could face a funding gap.
While ICE and Customs and Border Protection may continue operating with previously approved funds, other agencies under DHS, including FEMA, could be impacted.
Homan confirmed that some federal officers would remain in Minnesota but did not disclose specific numbers.
He stated that more than 200 individuals were arrested during the operation for allegedly obstructing federal agents, though he did not provide figures for immigration-related arrests or removals.
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