US withdraws ICE agents from Minnesota after protests & funding dispute

The U.S. Government is withdrawing 700 personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol in the state of Minnesota, according to top immigration advisor to President Trump, Tom Homan. This decision comes after local governments agreed to cooperate in the deportation of arrested immigrants.

Shifting Federal Resources

Despite the withdrawal of 700 personnel, approximately 2,000 ICE agents and staff will remain in Minnesota, according to Homan. He stated, “They are not going anywhere. They are completing their mission.” The initial surge in federal agents—reaching 2,000 in early January—targeted cities like Minneapolis and Saint Paul, focusing on the apprehension of individuals living in the U.S. Without legal authorization.

Did You Know? In early January 2026, roughly 2,000 federal immigration agents descended on Minneapolis-St. Paul, described by the Department of Homeland Security as the “largest immigration operation ever” carried out by the agency.

Community Response and Controversies

The increased presence of federal agents sparked protests within the state. These demonstrations intensified following two separate incidents in which ICE agents shot and killed Renee Good on February 3rd and Alex Pretti on January 26th. In response to the protests, Trump removed Bovino, the commander of the Border Patrol, replacing him with Homan.

Bodycams and Budgetary Constraints

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that ICE agents and Border Patrol in Minneapolis will be equipped with bodycams. This move is intended to address concerns and potentially lead to a nationwide rollout, pending sufficient funding. However, the agency’s budget is now facing scrutiny.

Expert Insight: The partial withdrawal of ICE personnel, coupled with the bodycam initiative and budgetary constraints, suggests a complex interplay of political pressures and enforcement priorities. The limited funding for the Department of Homeland Security creates a leverage point for lawmakers seeking further reforms to ICE and Border Patrol operations.

Yesterday, Congress reached an agreement on a substantial spending package, providing funding for most federal agencies through the end of September. However, the Department of Homeland Security received funding only for two weeks due to dissatisfaction with the actions of the Border Patrol and ICE.

Targeted Enforcement

The initial ICE operations in December and January specifically targeted Somali immigrants in Minneapolis and St. Paul, amid reports of widespread fraud in state programs. Within days of the increased presence, more than 1,500 people were arrested, though fewer than half of those arrested were Somali immigrants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the initial increase in ICE agents in Minnesota?

President Trump sent federal agents to Minneapolis and Saint Paul in December to locate and arrest undocumented immigrants.

What led to the decision to withdraw 700 ICE personnel?

The withdrawal occurred after local governments agreed to cooperate with deportations, according to Tom Homan.

What is the current status of funding for the Department of Homeland Security?

The Department of Homeland Security has been granted funding for only two weeks, giving lawmakers an opportunity to demand further reforms.

As the situation evolves, will the balance between federal enforcement and local cooperation reshape immigration policy in Minnesota and beyond?