White House Border Czar Announces Reduced Security Presence in Twin Cities
White House border czar Tom Homan has confirmed that a "small" security force will continue operations in Minnesota's Twin Cities, encompassing Minneapolis and St. Paul, even as more than 1,000 immigration enforcement agents withdraw from the region. This drawdown follows the conclusion of a weeks-long enforcement surge known as "Operation Metro Surge," which the Department of Homeland Security described as the largest immigration enforcement operation in its history.
Operation Metro Surge Winds Down With Significant Deportations
Speaking on CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday, Homan detailed the transition, stating that the reduced contingent would temporarily protect remaining personnel and respond to situations where agents face agitators. While he did not specify the exact size of the "small" force, Homan noted that several hundred additional officers would depart by Monday and Tuesday, returning operations to their original footprint.
Homan reported that authorities had already removed well over 1,000 individuals during the surge, with several hundred more deportations anticipated before the operation formally concludes. He emphasized that enforcement would continue nationwide, and future large-scale deployments would depend on situational needs, even as Minnesota's controversial surge winds down amid public scrutiny.
Internal Policy Debates and Public Backlash
Addressing recent reports, Homan dismissed suggestions of friction between himself, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and her adviser Corey Lewandowski over deportation strategy under President Donald Trump. He characterized any internal policy differences as routine professional debates within the administration.
The operation faced growing criticism as tensions escalated following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Nicole Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti, by federal immigration agents. These deaths sparked widespread protests across several U.S. cities, with demonstrators demanding accountability and changes to enforcement practices.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
In Minneapolis and St. Paul, residents organized to warn immigrants of approaching agents and document ICE activity, reflecting deep community concerns. Homan stated that investigations into the shootings and related fraud cases would continue, but unlike Secretary Noem, who publicly defended the officers, he refrained from commenting on their conduct, preferring to let the investigations proceed.
The drawdown marks a significant shift as the Twin Cities region grapples with lingering public anger and scrutiny over immigration enforcement tactics, highlighting the complex balance between security operations and community relations in sensitive urban areas.
