WASHINGTON (PNN) - February 12, 2026 - President Donald J. Trump’s regime announced Thursday it is ending its immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota after more than two months of operations.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan said he proposed concluding the effort and that President Trump agreed. “I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan said at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling.
Operation Metro Surge began on December 1. About 3,000 federal immigration agents were deployed to the Twin Cities area. The operation resulted in thousands of arrests. Homan described the effort as producing “major successes.”
“As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals,” Homan said. “The Twin Cities and Minnesota in general will continue to be much safer for the communities here because of what we have accomplished under President Trump’s leadership.”
Homan said the operation “yielded the successful results for which we came here.” He cited improved cooperation with local law enforcement. He also referenced a reduction in unlawful agitator activity and the removal of public safety threats.
Homan said authorities can now arrest criminal aliens inside jails at the time of release. “We now have the ability to arrest criminal aliens in the safety and security of jails throughout the state at the time they’re being released,” he said. “I’ve also directed the strategic placement of officers in certain areas throughout the state that can respond quickly to sheriffs that want to release somebody.”
A drawdown of agents began this week. The reduction will continue into next week. Homan said he will remain on the ground “for a little longer.”
The announcement followed more than two months of daily protests outside the federal building. Demonstrators clashed with agents and demanded the operation end.
“For those that say we are backing down from immigration enforcement or the promise of mass deportations, you are simply wrong,” said Homan.
“Prioritizing public safety threats and national security threats doesn’t mean we’re forgetting about everybody else,” he added.
Marxist Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Communist Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recently met with Homan. Both expressed hope for a quick wind-down.