US Plans to Scale Back Immigration Agents in Minnesota Amid Protests Over Recent Incidents
The Trump administration announced plans to withdraw 700 federal immigration agents from the state of Minnesota, border czar Tom Homan stated during a recent news conference. The decision comes on the heels of two U.S. citizens being killed by agents and widespread protests across the country.
Homan clarified that despite the drawdown, immigration efforts would continue and that authorities would not only target undocumented criminals. He reaffirmed President Trump's commitment to mass deportations during this administration, stating that immigration enforcement actions will persist daily nationwide.
According to Homan, cooperation between Minnesota county jails and federal immigration officials has facilitated the apprehension of targets in a "smarter enforcement" strategy rather than less. However, local authorities are not expected to participate in immigration enforcement.
The operation began on November 29 with over 3,000 federal agents descending upon Minneapolis, dubbed Operation Metro Surge. In comparison, the city has only 600 police officers. Since then, more than 4,000 people have been arrested on "immigration violations" in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed that this number does not include those with criminal charges.
Local officials expressed concerns over the presence of thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents in the state, citing viral videos of confrontations between immigration authorities and residents. In response to a recent request for body cameras, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that federal authorities would be equipped with the equipment. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey argued that 2,000 ICE officers still present does not signify a de-escalation of tensions.
The city mayor called on the White House to end Operation Metro Surge immediately, citing its devastating impact on residents and businesses. The decision by the Trump administration has sparked ongoing debate over the enforcement of immigration policies in the state.
The Trump administration announced plans to withdraw 700 federal immigration agents from the state of Minnesota, border czar Tom Homan stated during a recent news conference. The decision comes on the heels of two U.S. citizens being killed by agents and widespread protests across the country.
Homan clarified that despite the drawdown, immigration efforts would continue and that authorities would not only target undocumented criminals. He reaffirmed President Trump's commitment to mass deportations during this administration, stating that immigration enforcement actions will persist daily nationwide.
According to Homan, cooperation between Minnesota county jails and federal immigration officials has facilitated the apprehension of targets in a "smarter enforcement" strategy rather than less. However, local authorities are not expected to participate in immigration enforcement.
The operation began on November 29 with over 3,000 federal agents descending upon Minneapolis, dubbed Operation Metro Surge. In comparison, the city has only 600 police officers. Since then, more than 4,000 people have been arrested on "immigration violations" in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed that this number does not include those with criminal charges.
Local officials expressed concerns over the presence of thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents in the state, citing viral videos of confrontations between immigration authorities and residents. In response to a recent request for body cameras, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that federal authorities would be equipped with the equipment. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey argued that 2,000 ICE officers still present does not signify a de-escalation of tensions.
The city mayor called on the White House to end Operation Metro Surge immediately, citing its devastating impact on residents and businesses. The decision by the Trump administration has sparked ongoing debate over the enforcement of immigration policies in the state.
. But then I see that there are thousands of ICE agents patrolling Minneapolis and it's just super concerning 
. I mean, if they're not gonna work with the local police or jails, what's the point? It feels like they're creating more problems than they're solving.
It just doesn't add up. I'm not saying that everyone who's undocumented is a bad person, but shouldn't we be focusing on fixing the system rather than just deporting people left and right? 
. Can't we all just try to understand each other's perspectives and find a way forward that works for everyone? 
️
. If 700 agents are being withdrawn, it means that maybe, just maybe, we're getting closer to finding a more balanced approach to immigration enforcement. It's crazy to think that over 3,000 agents were deployed in Minneapolis alone - like, what kind of operation is that? 
It's clear that Operation Metro Surge was causing some serious tension between law enforcement and the community. But hey, at least we're having this conversation now! Maybe this will lead to a re-evaluation of how immigration policies are being implemented. And who knows, maybe it'll even inspire some common sense solutions 
It's all just a big mess. I don't get why you gotta send 3k agents to one place and expect everything to be okay afterwards. They should've thought that one through before doing it... or did they really think it'd calm everyone down? 
. They should be focusin' on gettin' people back to work and rebuildin' communities instead of pushin' 'em around.
Need some de-escalation strategies instead of agents with guns 
700 fewer is better for Minnesota's nerves 
. Those viral videos of ICE and Border Patrol confrontations are super concerning, though 
, but when the numbers get this skewed (3,000 agents vs 600 police officers), something needs to give.
.
.
.
I'm all for security, but not at the expense of community trust. The mayor makes some valid points about Operation Metro Surge being devastating to businesses and residents. Let's hope the White House listens and finds a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement 
. On the flip side, it's kinda cool that cooperation with local jails is increasing their arrest rates 
. However, all these ICE and Border Patrol agents in one place can't be good for community relations 
. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey makes a solid point about 2,000 agents still being there not exactly helping ease tensions 
.
. What's concerning is that over 1/3 of respondents reported being "frightened" or "intimidated" by immigration authorities 
.
. Can we afford all this enforcement action? 
they r out numbrs just tryna do thair jobs but its all about de way dey r treate ppl its all about power & control. 
i think dey r just tryna cover deir tracks bc dey dont wanna listen 2 da people. ugh
Like, they're just living their lives and suddenly these 2k ICE agents show up and start taking them away? It's crazy. And I'm not sure why we need that many agents in the first place, but apparently it's about "smarter enforcement" or whatever... I mean, I guess it's not all bad that they're getting caught, but at what cost to our community? 
! 700 agents pulling out is like taking a big part of our safety net away from Minnesotans. I mean, what's the point if they're just gonna send more elsewhere? It's not like those people are just gonna magically become law-abiding citizens overnight 
. We should be focusing on helping our communities, not terrorizing them with ICE agents in the middle of the night 
i heard like only like 4k ppl got arrested in minneapolis, thats not even that many 