By Trendsetter Tribune 
In a significant policy pivot, Border Czar Tom Homan announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, that the Trump administration will immediately withdraw approximately 700 federal officers from the Minneapolis area. This reduction represents nearly 20% of the 3,000 agents deployed as part of “Operation Metro Surge.”
Speaking at the Bishop Whipple Federal Building, Homan stated that the de-escalation is the result of newfound cooperation from local law enforcement and a desire to “end the surge” as safely as possible.
A Strategy of “Cops Working with Cops”
Homan emphasized that the drawdown is a direct consequence of local jails and police departments agreeing to honor detainer requests and provide ICE with access to inmates.
- Targeted Operations: Homan argued that by making arrests in the controlled environment of local jails, the need for high-visibility, “street-level” enforcement is reduced.
- Conditional Withdrawal: The Border Czar warned that a full withdrawal depends on the “continued cooperation” of Minnesota officials and a cessation of what he called “dangerous rhetoric” and “impediment” by protesters.
- The Goal: Homan’s stated objective is a “complete drawdown,” shifting the focus from mass deployments back to targeted immigration enforcement.
The “Minneapolis Crisis”: Background of the Conflict
The withdrawal follows weeks of intense civil unrest and economic strain in the Twin Cities. The federal operation had reportedly cost the local economy up to $20 million a week and led to multiple high-profile tragedies.
| Event | Date | Outcome |
| Shooting of Renee Good | Jan 7, 2026 | 37-year-old mother of three killed in her vehicle by ICE. |
| Shooting of Alex Pretti | Jan 24, 2026 | ICU nurse shot ten times by CBP during a protest. |
| Metro Surge Injunction | Jan 31, 2026 | A federal judge refused to pause the operation, allowing it to continue. |
| Homan’s Drawdown | Feb 4, 2026 | Announcement to withdraw 700 of the 3,000 deployed agents. |
Reactions from State and Local Leaders
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who met with Homan on Tuesday, has continued to push for a total removal of federal forces. While he welcomed the reduction, Walz stressed that the presence of thousands of agents continues to cause “profound and heartbreaking” impacts on schools and daily life.
Meanwhile, Minneapolis Public Schools remains in e-learning mode for many families who fear federal agents being present at school pickups—a situation that has led to the detention of at least four students in nearby Columbia Heights.
Federal Oversight and Investigations
Despite Homan’s calls to “move on,” the Justice Department confirmed last Friday that it has opened a civil rights investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti. Congressional Democrats, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, are also demanding answers regarding the administration’s initial “smear campaign” against the victims, who were initially labeled as “terrorists” and “assassins” by DHS leadership.+1
“I don’t want to see anybody die… I say a prayer every night that everybody goes home safe.” — Tom Homan, Minneapolis, Feb 4, 2026.