Federal Immigration Presence in Minnesota Sees Reduction Amidst Ongoing Enforcement and Mounting Controversy

Minneapolis, MN – Federal immigration authorities have announced a significant reduction in personnel in Minnesota, withdrawing 700 officers following an intense period of enforcement activity under "Operation Metro Surge." Despite this drawdown, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) maintains a substantial presence of approximately 2,000 agents in the state, signaling that enforcement operations are far from concluded. The announcement comes amidst widespread protests, legal challenges, and profound economic and social disruption that has gripped Minnesota since the surge began in December 2025.

Agent Numbers Reduced as Operations Adapt

Tom Homan, the "border czar," announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, that 700 federal law enforcement personnel would be immediately withdrawn from Minnesota. This reduction is touted by federal authorities as a result of "unprecedented cooperation" from county officials who have reportedly increased communication with ICE regarding detained immigrants. Homan stated that this collaboration allows for "smarter law enforcement," enabling agents to focus more effectively on individuals deemed "criminal aliens."

The withdrawal reduces the total number of federal agents in Minnesota from an estimated 2,700 to approximately 2,000. Prior to the commencement of Operation Metro Surge, the federal presence was considerably smaller, with roughly 150 agents stationed in the state. Homan indicated that a "complete drawdown" to pre-surge levels remains a goal, contingent upon the cessation of what he described as "illegal and threatening activities against ICE and its federal partners" within the community.

"Operation Metro Surge": Unprecedented Scope and Tactics

Launched in December 2025, Operation Metro Surge initially focused on the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul before expanding its reach across the entire state. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) characterized it as the "largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out" in Minnesota, involving thousands of federal agents from both ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The operation has been marked by an escalation in the severity of tactics employed by federal agents. Reports detail militarized raids, dangerous stops, and arrests conducted in various locations, including near schools, churches, and hospitals, which are typically considered sensitive areas for enforcement. Concerns have also been raised about allegations of excessive force and racial profiling, with some U.S. citizens reportedly detained based on their appearance or accent.

By mid-January 2026, federal authorities reported approximately 3,000 arrests as part of Operation Metro Surge. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that "over 10,000 criminal illegal aliens" had been arrested in Minneapolis since the current administration took office, including 3,000 in the six weeks leading up to January 19. However, independent analyses and previous reports from the Deportation Data Project indicate significantly lower figures for Minnesota arrests, making the 10,000 figure difficult to independently verify. Critics argue that a substantial portion of those arrested during the surge lacked criminal records, contradicting the administration's stated focus on dangerous individuals.

The operation has also been marred by tragic incidents. On January 7, Renée Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Less than three weeks later, on January 24, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen, was also fatally shot by federal agents while participating in a demonstration against the enforcement operation. These deaths triggered widespread outrage, intensified protests, and amplified calls for accountability and oversight of federal immigration agents' conduct.

Broad Impact and Legal Resistance

Operation Metro Surge has profoundly disrupted Minnesota's economy and civil society. A January survey by Meet Minneapolis revealed that 80% of businesses surveyed experienced canceled bookings, reduced sales, or closures due to the ICE surge. Along key immigrant business corridors in Minneapolis and St. Paul, roughly 80% of immigrant-owned businesses temporarily closed in a single week, with many reporting sales plummeting by 50-100%. Industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, such as healthcare, child care, construction, and food production, have reported staffing shortages as employees reduce hours or avoid work due to fear of detention. The disruption extended to public life, with schools transitioning to remote learning and numerous events being canceled or postponed as communities grappled with heightened fear and uncertainty.

The federal operation has also ignited significant legal and political resistance within Minnesota. The state's Attorney General, alongside the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, filed a federal lawsuit against DHS and related agencies. The lawsuit alleges violations of the First and Tenth Amendments to the Constitution, contending that the surge specifically targets Minnesota due to its voting patterns and the political viewpoints of its leadership. In a separate development, a Minnesota chief U.S. District Judge found that ICE had violated at least 96 court orders within the state since January 1, 2026, alone.

Furthermore, school districts in Fridley and Duluth, in conjunction with Education Minnesota, have filed a lawsuit challenging the DHS's decision to rescind a long-standing policy that designated schools as "safe zones" to be avoided during immigration enforcement. They argue that the presence of federal agents near schools has disrupted education, endangered students, and instilled fear in families. Local law enforcement resources have also been strained, with police responding to incidents arising from tensions between protesters and federal agents, and having to address abandoned vehicles of detained individuals.

A Complex Path Forward

The reduction of 700 federal agents in Minnesota marks a new phase in the controversial Operation Metro Surge. While the federal government frames the drawdown as a strategic adjustment facilitated by increased local cooperation, critics and community advocates view it as a partial response to intense public and legal pressure. The ongoing presence of 2,000 agents ensures that immigration enforcement remains a prominent and contentious issue in Minnesota.

The events of the past few months have laid bare the profound human, economic, and social costs associated with large-scale federal immigration enforcement operations. As legal battles continue and communities strive to recover from the disruptions, the situation in Minnesota underscores broader national debates regarding immigration policy, the limits of federal power, and the accountability of enforcement agencies. The balance between federal immigration objectives and the concerns of local governments and communities will likely remain a significant point of tension as the state navigates this complex landscape.