In a shift in the ongoing immigration enforcement campaign in Minnesota, the US government has announced the immediate withdrawal of 700 federal immigration officers from the state. The decision came after weeks of heightened federal operations and intense public backlash following the fatal shootings of two civilians by federal agents.
The announcement reflects a change in strategy by the administration’s top immigration official, as cooperation with state and local authorities increases and enforcement tactics evolve.
Minnesota Immigration: Tom Homan Announces Withdrawal of Federal Immigration Officers
Border czar Tom Homan, appointed to oversee the expanded immigration operation in Minnesota, said on Wednesday that roughly 700 of the approximately 3,000 federal immigration enforcement officers currently deployed in the state will be withdrawn effective immediately.
Homan attributed the move to what he described as “unprecedented collaboration” with local law enforcement and corrections officials, who have begun facilitating the transfer of detained immigrants directly from county jails to federal custody.
Homan emphasised that the removal of these officers does not signal an end to federal efforts in Minnesota, but rather a strategic adjustment intended to reduce public interactions and safety risks in street-level enforcement.
He said the shift would allow a continued focus on individuals taken from secure settings, such as jails, instead of arrests conducted in public. The announcement came during a press conference in Minneapolis, where tensions remain high.
Minnesota Immigration: Why Minnesota Became a Focal Point of Federal Enforcement?
Minnesota, particularly the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, became the centre of a nationwide immigration enforcement campaign that began in late 2025, known as Operation Metro Surge.
The deployment involved thousands of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal units. Protests erupted across the state amid widespread criticism from civil rights groups and local leaders who argued the tactics were overly aggressive and undermined community trust.
The situation intensified after federal agents fatally shot two US citizens during enforcement actions in Minneapolis earlier this year. The deaths sparked protests and legal challenges, with Minnesota officials pursuing lawsuits against the federal government while demanding accountability and changes to how enforcement operations are conducted.
Minnesota Immigration: How is the Strategy Changing? Local Cooperation & Jail Transfers
One core reason cited for the reduction in federal officers is increased cooperation between federal authorities and certain state and local officials. Homan explained that if county jails agree to notify ICE when individuals who may be deportable are arrested or released, fewer federal agents are needed to conduct enforcement in public spaces. This tactic allows immigration officers to take custody of eligible detainees directly from secure facilities rather than engaging in street-level arrests.
Homan said the approach is expected to improve officer safety and reduce confrontations with community members and protesters. He noted that efforts are underway to expand coordination with additional counties, a move he described as critical to sustaining a reduced federal footprint in the state.
Minnesota Immigration: Public Backlash and Ongoing Protests in Minnesota
Despite the partial withdrawal, substantial federal immigration personnel will remain in Minnesota. Homan said around 2,000 officers will continue operations, far above the roughly 150 federal immigration officers present before the expanded enforcement was launched. The significant presence has drawn continued protests and community resistance, with activists calling for a complete withdrawal of federal agents and policy reforms to immigration enforcement.
Local opposition intensified after fatal shootings and confrontations between immigration officers and protesters. Critics have argued that the federal response has eroded public trust and heightened fears among immigrant communities, particularly in areas with sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with ICE.
Minnesota Immigration: Reactions From Officials & State Leaders
Minnesota’s top officials have responded cautiously to the announcement, welcoming increased cooperation while urging continued de-escalation. State leaders have emphasised the need for more transparency and oversight in federal operations, especially in light of the deaths of two US citizens during enforcement efforts. Some local authorities have expressed scepticism that a reduction in officers alone will meaningfully address community concerns without broader changes to enforcement methods.
Homan, for his part, underscored that federal enforcement will persist and that undocumented immigrants with criminal records will remain a priority. He also indicated that further changes in deployment levels will depend on how much local cooperation expands in the coming weeks.
What Happens Next in Minnesota’s Immigration Enforcement?
The partial drawdown marks a strategic pivot in a high-profile and controversial federal effort. Federal and state officials continue negotiations regarding jails and transfer agreements, and more counties may join cooperative arrangements that could reduce the need for a large roaming federal presence. At the same time, criticism and protests are expected to continue as long as federal agents remain active in community settings.
For many observers, the situation in Minnesota highlights the ongoing national debate over immigration policy, law enforcement authority, and community safety — issues unlikely to be resolved quickly. The effectiveness and public reception of the new strategy will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.
