The federal immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis is coming to an end, announced by White House border czar Tom Homan, while state officials faced intense questioning in a Senate hearing over the operation’s conduct and consequences.
On Thursday, border czar Tom Homan declared that Operation Metro Surge, the months-long immigration crackdown in Minnesota, would conclude. Homan, who oversees the federal response, stated that the surge had made Minnesota ‘less of a sanctuary state for criminals,’ and he proposed ending the operation with President Trump’s concurrence. The announcement came as about 3,000 federal officers were deployed in what became the largest immigration enforcement operation in U.S. history, leading to mass arrests and widespread protests.
Concurrently, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and other state officials testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, facing tough questions about the surge. Ellison criticized the Trump administration, accusing it of using the operation as a ‘retribution campaign’ against the state and its Democratic leaders rather than addressing fraud. He highlighted that the surge had ’caused real harm to our state,’ including economic damage and loss of trust.
The Senate hearing devolved into heated exchanges, with Republican senators Ron Johnson and Josh Hawley accusing Ellison of contributing to violence by encouraging protests. Johnson claimed that Ellison’s actions led to a ‘tragedy’ and that he should feel guilty, while Hawley suggested Ellison should resign or be jailed over the state’s fraud scandal. Ellison defended himself, calling the accusations ‘theatrical performances’ and lies.
The immigration surge, which began in early December, resulted in over 4,000 arrests, but many detainees had no criminal records, including children and U.S. citizens. The operation was marked by tense confrontations between protesters and officers, culminating in the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents. These deaths sparked outrage and raised questions about the use of force and accountability within immigration agencies.
During the hearing, top immigration officials, including Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, faced scrutiny over the killings and the administration’s initial portrayal of the victims as terrorists. Scott denied providing such descriptions to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and both officials affirmed that citizens have the right to film and protest against officers, though they cited ongoing investigations into the shootings.
Democratic leaders in Minnesota, such as Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, welcomed the end of the surge but emphasized the damage done. Walz called for federal repayment for economic losses, stating, ‘You don’t get to break things and then just leave without doing something about it.’ Frey had earlier met with Homan to discuss scaling back the operation, reflecting cautious optimism among local officials.
The announcement to end the surge coincides with broader political tensions as the deadline for Department of Homeland Security funding approaches. Polls indicate that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe ICE has gone too far in its enforcement actions. The hearing and Homan’s statement highlight ongoing debates over immigration policy, federal overreach, and the balance between security and civil liberties.
As the surge winds down, attention turns to the aftermath, including investigations into the shootings, potential reforms in immigration enforcement, and the political ramifications for both state and federal leaders. The events underscore deep divisions in American politics and the complex challenges of managing immigration enforcement.
