DHS Concludes Minneapolis Surge Operation, But Not Completely Disbanding Efforts

The government’s operation in the Twin Cities is reportedly winding down. Border czar Tom Homan announced on Thursday, “I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude.” This isn’t the first time officials from the Department of Homeland Security have suggested that Operation Metro Surge, a significant initiative in Minnesota, was slowing or coming to an end. Homan hinted at a “drawdown” back in late January, and shortly after, President Trump mentioned the withdrawal of 700 agents from the state. However, around 2,000 agents remained, and residents reported that raids were still ongoing. Even Homan acknowledged that the operation isn’t completely finished. “A small footprint of personnel will remain for a period of time to close out and transition full command and control back to the field office,” he stated. “I will also remain on the ground for a little longer to oversee the drawdown of this operation and ensure its success.” In a separate press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed that he was “cautiously optimistic” and noted that he has been in discussions with federal leaders about the need for the federal government to address the damage caused, especially to immigrant communities and small businesses. “They left us with deep damage, generational trauma, economic ruin. They left us with many unanswered questions. Where are our children? Where and what is the process of investigations into those who were responsible for the deaths of Renee and Alex?” Walz said. Typically, there are about 150 federal immigration officers in Minnesota, but their numbers surged twenty-fold under Metro Surge, which was initiated following allegations of widespread fraud at daycares run by the Somali American community in Minneapolis. In response to ICE’s actions in the Twin Cities, a strong mutual aid network has formed. Minnesotans have been collecting groceries and crowdfunding rent for immigrant families, and some have organized ICE patrols in their neighborhoods. The deaths of two observers, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, at the hands of federal immigration agents in January ignited widespread protests across the Twin Cities. Administration officials had previously indicated that the operation would conclude once state and local officials sufficiently collaborated with ICE. It remains unclear what, if any, concessions the federal government has secured from Governor Walz or Minneapolis Mayor Tim Frey.