The Trump administration has concluded its large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following weeks of escalating tensions and the deaths of two U.S. Citizens during the crackdown. Border Czar Tom Homan announced the end of “Operation Metro Surge” at a press conference Thursday, citing improved coordination with local law enforcement and the success of immigration enforcement efforts.
The decision to end the operation comes after a period of intense scrutiny and widespread protests sparked by the fatal shootings of Renee Good on January 7th and Alex Pretti on January 30th. Pretti, an intensive care nurse for military veterans, was shot while assisting another protester during demonstrations against ICE activity in the city, an incident captured on video and widely circulated. Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota, incorrectly characterized Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” attempting to harm law enforcement.
“I have proposed and President Trump has concurred that this surge operation conclude,” Homan stated, adding that a “significant drawdown” of agents would begin immediately. While the operation is ending, Homan emphasized that immigration enforcement would continue, stating, “If you’re in this country illegally, you’re not off the table.” Approximately 2,000 agents will remain in the area, a reduction from the initial surge of over 3,000.
The surge, which began in late November 2025, involved deploying a substantial number of ICE and CBP agents to Minneapolis, a city with a police force of roughly 600 officers. The operation led to the arrest of approximately 4,000 individuals, with over 200 arrests made for allegedly impeding law enforcement.
The crackdown prompted a wave of protests and civil disobedience, including work stoppages, school closures, and business shutdowns on January 23rd. Almost one thousand businesses temporarily closed their doors in solidarity, and workers reported sick or took “mental health days” to participate in the demonstrations. While not an officially sanctioned strike, the actions demonstrated a growing resistance to the administration’s immigration policies.
National Nurses United, representing 225,000 healthcare workers, organized vigils nationwide in memory of Alex Pretti, framing his death as an example of “violence sanctioned by the State.” A virtual meeting on February 1st, titled “How do we build a general strike,” drew 3500 participants, including union leaders and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, to discuss coordinated actions for May 1st, 2026.
The administration’s retreat in Minneapolis follows a pattern of resistance from communities facing increased ICE enforcement. Homan acknowledged a “substantial change” in the situation over the past two weeks, but maintained the administration’s commitment to immigration enforcement. The remaining federal presence will focus on transitioning command back to local field offices and monitoring for “agitator activity.”
The planned actions for May 1st, including potential strikes and sickouts, represent a continuation of the organizing efforts that emerged in response to the events in Minneapolis. Organizers are focusing on building sustained organization in workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods to increase collective power and capacity.
