The Trump administration is scaling back its federal immigration surge in Minnesota after weeks of heightened tensions and protests. Border czar Tom Homan said improved cooperation from state and local officials has made enforcement safer and more efficient, allowing a 700-agent drawdown. While federal operations continue, officials say staffing could eventually return to normal levels if collaboration remains strong.
Trump border czar Tom Homan announced an immediate pullback of 700 ICE and CBP agents from Minnesota, citing strong local cooperation. Federal forces drop from ~3,000 to 2,000 as enforcement shifts to jail-based transfers. #Minnesota #Minneapolis #ICE pic.twitter.com/2fEbE6RYE1
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) February 4, 2026
- On Feb. 4, 2026, Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar, announced an immediate drawdown of 700 federal immigration and law enforcement officers from Minnesota.
- The pullback reduces the federal presence from roughly 3,000 to about 2,000 personnel, mainly in the Minneapolis / Twin Cities area.
- Affected agencies include Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Homan cited “unprecedented cooperation” from Minnesota state and local officials, including agreements to transfer arrested immigrants from jails directly to federal custody.
- He said this cooperation allows safer, more efficient operations—reducing arrest teams from 8–10 officers to as few as 1–2.
- Enforcement operations will continue, with a potential future return to pre-surge staffing levels (~150 officers) if cooperation holds.
- The move follows weeks of tension tied to “Operation Metro Surge,” protests, and two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents, which sparked national backlash.
- The announcement comes as Congress debates DHS funding, potentially shaping future immigration enforcement nationwide.
