In a major de-escalation of tensions in the Twin Cities, White House border czar Tom Homan announced on Wednesday that 700 federal immigration officers will immediately withdraw from Minnesota. This strategic shift follows a breakthrough agreement with state and local officials to increase cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, marking a significant turning point in the Trump administration's immigration policy for 2026. The decision comes after weeks of intense Minneapolis protests today and growing civil unrest over the federal presence.
Homan Announces Immediate Withdrawal of 700 Immigration Officers
Speaking at a press conference in Minneapolis, Tom Homan confirmed the immediate departure of roughly one-quarter of the federal force currently deployed in the state. The border czar Homan announcement detailed that the 700 immigration officers in Minnesota—a mix of ICE and Border Patrol agents—would leave because local jurisdictions have agreed to streamline the transfer of undocumented immigrants directly from county jails.
"We have secured an unprecedented level of cooperation," Homan stated, explaining that the new arrangement allows federal agents to take custody of individuals in a controlled environment rather than conducting high-risk operations in neighborhoods. This move specifically addresses the administration's goal of securing sanctuary state cooperation without relying solely on large-scale street sweeps, which have sparked volatile confrontations in recent weeks.
New Cooperation Deal Reduces Need for Street Operations
The core of the agreement rests on a shift in tactics. Instead of deploying teams to arrest individuals released back into the community, Homan revealed that several counties have agreed to alert ICE before releasing non-citizens with criminal records. This "jail transfer" model is safer for both officers and the public, Homan argued, reducing the necessity for the massive federal footprint that characterized the early months of 2026.
Operation Metro Surge Continues Amid Tensions
Despite the ICE withdrawal from Minnesota of 700 personnel, Homan emphasized that the federal mission is far from over. Approximately 2,000 federal agents remain in the state as part of "Operation Metro Surge," the administration's aggressive enforcement campaign that began earlier this year. Homan made it clear that a complete withdrawal is contingent upon a total cessation of what he termed "lawless behavior" and interference with federal operations.
The operation has been a flashpoint for controversy, particularly following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal officers in January. These incidents fueled daily demonstrations and solidified the resolve of local activists. While the reduction in force is a concession to the Tom Homan Minnesota news cycle that has dominated headlines, the remaining presence suggests the administration is not abandoning its hardline stance completely.
Local Leaders Respond to the Strategic Shift
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey offered cautious responses to the news. In a statement, Gov. Walz called the withdrawal a "step in the right direction" but demanded a faster and more comprehensive removal of federal forces. Both leaders are facing immense pressure from their constituents to end the federal occupation that has disrupted life in the Twin Cities.
Interestingly, the definition of "cooperation" remains a point of contention. While Homan praised the new agreements, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement clarifying that their sanctuary policies technically "have not changed," highlighting the complex political dance occurring behind closed doors. As Trump immigration policy 2026 continues to evolve, this partial withdrawal may serve as a blueprint for other sanctuary jurisdictions facing similar federal pressure.
What This Means for Minnesota Residents
For residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the immediate reduction in uniformed federal officers may lower the temperature on the streets, but the underlying conflict persists. Community groups organizing the Minneapolis protests today have vowed to continue their demonstrations until every federal agent involved in the surge has departed. The situation remains fluid, with federal officials watching closely to see if the promised local cooperation yields the enforcement results they demand.
