End of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota

Tom Homan, the Border Patrol Chief, recently declared the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge, a significant two-month initiative aimed at immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

“Thanks to our efforts, Minnesota is no longer a refuge for criminals,” Homan stated during a press briefing at the Bishop Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis.

He emphasized that the operation led to an “unprecedented level of collaboration” among local law enforcement agencies, which in turn helped to significantly enhance public safety.

This mirrors his comments from a news briefing the previous week, where he noted that improved coordination with local authorities—especially in terms of notifying federal officials prior to releasing undocumented immigrants from custody—had made operations much more effective.

Reflecting on this efficiency, Homan mentioned the retirement of 700 federal employees on February 4, and indicated that the total surge force in Minnesota has now decreased to 2,000.

“Considering the success we’ve had in apprehending safety threats since the start of this operation, and the extraordinary cooperation from state and local law enforcement, I suggested—and President Trump agreed—to end this operation,” he informed reporters.

These cutbacks, already in motion under Homan’s leadership, are expected to continue next week as some federal workers relocate out of state.

“Federal agents assigned to investigate the instigators and those looking into fraud will remain until their tasks are complete,” Homan added.

Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, who had previously stated he would not run for re-election due to allegations of extensive fraud in the state, mentioned to reporters that he had spoken with Homan and confirmed that several ICE agents would be departing Minnesota as soon as feasible.

“I’m willing to help. We will assist you in getting to the airport. I can clear the way for you,” Walz offered to ICE. “If you need me to, I’ll help pack your things.”

Walz has accused the federal government of waging a “war” against Minnesota due to Trump’s measures concerning illegal immigration.

“Those claiming we’ll ease up on immigration operations and the threat of mass deportation are simply mistaken,” Homan asserted.

He highlighted the initiative’s achievements, including the arrest of over 4,000 undocumented individuals and uncovering 3,364 unaccompanied migrant children, who he asserted were “missing and not even searched for by the previous administration.”

“ICE has successfully located these children in the state who had gone missing due to the prior administration,” Homan stated.

Homan also refuted claims from some media outlets that federal agents were conducting arrests in hospitals, schools, or churches during the enforcement actions, labeling such statements as “absolutely false.”

“The reality is, the only group that violated sanctuaries and churches were those agitators who were arrested and charged,” he remarked, likely referring to the protests at Cities Church resulting in arrests.

He further clarified the controversial topic of “sensitive locations” during the press conference, denying that operatives were conducting searches in those areas, but noted they were not completely off-limits.

In January 2025, DHS formally retracted the Biden administration’s “Sensitive Places” memo that had previously limited arrests in schools and churches.

In summary, the operation’s end marks a significant shift in how immigration enforcement has been conducted in Minnesota, reflecting ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities.