Sh*ck Move: Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan Abruptly Ends Minnesota Immigration Crackdown

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Homan said President Trump approved his request to conclude the operation. He added that he would remain in Minnesota briefly to oversee the wind-down process and ensure an orderly exit.

Homan described the initiative, known as Operation Metro Surge, as highly successful, noting that it resulted in the detention of thousands of undocumented immigrants, including individuals convicted of violent crimes who are now facing deportation. However, the operation sparked nationwide protests after immigration officers fatally shot two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Shortly after Homan’s announcement, senior Minnesota and federal officials appeared at a Capitol Hill hearing to address Trump’s immigration policies. Homan stated that Minnesota authorities had significantly reduced the number of enforcement targets, calling the mission an overall success.

According to him, more than 4,000 undocumented immigrants were arrested during the operation, including individuals convicted of rape and other serious sexual offences. He emphasized that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has long operated in Minnesota and will continue its activities even after the surge concludes.

Homan attributed the operation’s results to strong collaboration between federal agents and local law enforcement. He said local authorities intensified their response to protesters, whom he described as posing public safety risks. Additionally, he noted that local jails became more cooperative in notifying ICE about the release of individuals under agency scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reacted cautiously to the development, saying he felt “cautiously optimistic” about the federal pullback. He argued that the operation had caused significant harm, including economic setbacks for small businesses and lasting emotional distress within communities. Walz said he plans to introduce a $10 million emergency fund to support businesses that claim financial losses due to the enforcement surge.

President Trump had deployed Homan to Minneapolis last month following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. Homan assumed leadership of the operation, replacing Greg Bovino, who had faced criticism over ICE’s use of force and alleged civil rights violations.

The administration’s broader immigration crackdown has encountered strong opposition in Democrat-led cities such as Minneapolis. Protests erupted in several locations, and legal challenges were mounted against federal enforcement actions. Last month, National Guard troops were withdrawn from Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago after sustained demonstrations. Some Republicans also raised concerns about the events in Minneapolis.

During a Senate hearing, Senator Rand Paul welcomed the reduction in federal agents’ street presence, calling it a positive step toward de-escalation.

At the same hearing, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons defended the agency, stating that ICE is currently monitoring approximately 1.6 million undocumented immigrants with deportation orders nationwide, including about 800,000 individuals with criminal convictions.