The US Trump’s administration has announced the end of a controversial immigration crackdown in Minnesota following weeks of raids that sparked mass protests and national outrage
Speaking on Thursday outside Minneapolis, Trump’s immigration pointman, Tom Homan, said the operation would be wound down after discussions with President Donald Trump.
“I have proposed and President Trump has concurred that this surge operation conclude. A significant drawdown has already been underway this week and will continue through the next week.”
The operation involved thousands of federal personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, carrying out sweeping arrests that the administration said were aimed at criminals. However, the raids triggered widespread demonstrations across the Minneapolis area and drew fierce criticism after the separate killings of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, last month.
Homan suggested the officers could be redeployed elsewhere but declined to give specifics, amid speculation that another city could be targeted next.
“In the next week, we’re going to deploy the officers here on detail, back to their home stations or other areas of the country where they are needed. But we’re going to continue to enforce immigration law.”
Trump’s hardline stance on illegal immigration was a central pillar of his successful 2024 campaign, but the Minnesota operation appeared to backfire politically. Daily viral videos showing masked federal agents using force, along with reports of arrests based on weak evidence, contributed to a sharp drop in the president’s approval ratings.
Public anger was further inflamed by the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos on January 20, a case that became a rallying point for protesters.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey welcomed the decision to end the operation, describing its impact on the city as devastating.
“The ICE operation had been catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses, and now it’s time for a great comeback.”
“We will show the same commitment to our immigrant residents.”
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