After Protests, Trump Border Czar Orders Withdrawal Of 700 Immigration Agents In Minnesota

Federal immigration operations in Minnesota are set to scale down after weeks of unrest, as Washington signals a partial retreat in response to increased cooperation from state and local authorities.

The decision was confirmed on Wednesday by Tom Homan, who said the Trump administration would immediately withdraw a significant number of enforcement personnel from the state.

According to Homan, around 700 federal officers nearly one-fourth of the total deployed across Minnesota are being pulled back with immediate effect. Even after the reduction, roughly 2,000 officers will continue to operate in the state as immigration enforcement efforts remain ongoing.

Why the Federal Presence Is Being Reduced

Homan said the drawdown follows what he described as "unprecedented collaboration" from state and local agencies, particularly in agreeing to hand over immigrants already in custody. He argued that such cooperation reduces the need for large-scale street-level operations, which have fueled public anger and safety concerns in recent weeks.

"With a safer environment and better coordination, we don't need as many officers on the ground," Homan said while announcing the decision at a press conference.

However, he did not specify which local or state jurisdictions have agreed to cooperate with federal authorities, nor did he offer a clear timeline for when immigration operations in Minnesota might fully end.

Protests and Violence in the Twin Cities

The federal crackdown has triggered widespread protests in Minneapolis and St. Paul, collectively known as the Twin Cities. Tensions escalated sharply after the death of protester Alex Pretti, marking the second fatal shooting involving federal officers in Minneapolis during the current wave of enforcement.

Despite the reduction in personnel, Homan made it clear that a broader withdrawal would only happen if federal agents are allowed to carry out their duties without interference. He accused demonstrators of obstructing arrests and setting up roadblocks to disrupt operations, warning that such actions could delay any further pullback.

Pressure on Local Jails and ICE Coordination

A central demand from federal authorities has been for local jails to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when inmates suspected of being in the country illegally are in custody. Homan said transferring such individuals directly from jail to ICE custody is safer than arresting them in public spaces.

"This way, fewer officers have to go out searching for people," he said, adding that it lowers risks for both law enforcement and civilians.

The administration has repeatedly criticized so-called "sanctuary jurisdictions"-a term used for states or cities that limit cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security-arguing that they make it harder to arrest immigrants with criminal records.

Trump Signals Willingness to Ease Tensions

Homan's remarks echo comments he made last week, when he suggested that a reduction in federal presence was possible if cooperation improved. Those comments came shortly after Donald Trump appeared to signal openness to easing tensions in Minnesota amid mounting protests and political pressure.

While the administration is stepping back slightly, officials insist the mission itself has been effective. Homan defended the operation, saying federal agents had removed several individuals he described as threats to public safety.

'Not Perfect, But Effective,' Says Homan

Acknowledging criticism, Homan admitted the operation was not flawless but rejected claims of misconduct. He said a unified command structure was created to ensure rules were followed and coordination remained tight.

"Was it perfect? No," he said. "But we followed the rules, and I don't believe anyone intentionally did something they shouldn't have."

For now, Minnesota remains under heightened federal scrutiny, even as the visible presence of immigration officers begins to shrink. Whether this move will calm public anger or simply pause a deeper conflict over immigration enforcement remains to be seen.