ICE withdraws from Minnesota after protests – 2 deaths reported
Minneapolis is seeing a significant shift in federal immigration enforcement as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) begins to withdraw agents from the city, according to agency head Tom Homan. The drawdown, which comes after a period of heightened ICE presence – peaking at around 3,000 agents – follows an announcement on February 12, 2026, and signals a potential change in strategy for the Trump administration.
Federal Presence Scaled Back
Operation Metro Surge and Initial Deployment
The reduction in ICE personnel is occurring after an initial surge in agents deployed to Minnesota beginning in December 2025, as part of “Operation Metro Surge.” This operation targeted the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and Saint Paul – and later expanded statewide, with the stated goal of apprehending undocumented immigrants and initiating deportation proceedings.
Homan’s Assessment and Agent Redistribution
Homan stated that many of the remaining agents will be sent back to their regularly assigned locations. While he did not specify the exact number of agents who will remain in Minneapolis, he characterized the operation as a success, citing “outstanding cooperation” with local authorities. However, this claim is complicated by the fact that Hennepin County jail, the largest in the state, has not altered its practise of non-cooperation with immigration authorities.
Protests and Local Response
The ICE presence in Minneapolis has been met with widespread protests from residents. Governor Tim Walz expressed gratitude to the people of Minnesota following the announcement of the withdrawal, acknowledging the extensive demonstrations against ICE’s actions. The protests intensified following the deaths of Pretti and Good.
The Role of Local Jails
ICE relies on collaboration with local jails to locate and detain individuals for deportation. The lack of cooperation from Hennepin County jail, despite Homan’s claims of widespread collaboration, highlights a potential challenge to ICE’s operations in the region.
Looking Ahead
The full impact of the ICE withdrawal remains to be seen. The agency will maintain a reduced presence in Minneapolis to continue enforcement activities. Alternatively, a complete withdrawal could lead to a decrease in deportations from the region. The future level of ICE activity will likely depend on ongoing political considerations and the agency’s assessment of the risks and benefits of continued operations in Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has happened in Minneapolis?
Alex Jeffrey Pretti (37) was shot and killed by federal agents during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis on January 24th. Renee Nicole Good (37) was also shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier in the month while observing ICE. Both incidents have led to large protests.
Why is ICE in Minneapolis?
ICE was deployed to Minneapolis following reports of widespread fraud in the state’s welfare system, particularly involving Somali-American-owned childcare facilities. The Trump administration sent around 2,000 federal agents to investigate potential immigration violations related to the alleged fraud.
Why are there large protests in the US now?
The deaths of Alex Jeffrey Pretti and Renee Nicole Good have sparked widespread protests against ICE across the United States. Demonstrators have clashed with agents in Minneapolis, and protests have occurred in other cities as well.
As ICE scales back its operations in Minneapolis, what impact will this shift have on immigration enforcement policies and community relations in Minnesota?