The Trump administration is scaling back the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota following the fatal shootings of two local residents. Border czar Tom Homan announced that approximately 700 federal agents will be withdrawn from immigration operations in Minnesota. This decision comes after heavy criticism from local officials and citizens regarding the perceived aggressive tactics of federal agents, which resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens.
The victims, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37 years old, were fatally shot by federal officers in separate incidents in January. Homan mentioned that the ongoing Operation Metro Surge, involving around 3,000 federal officers deployed in the state since early December, would see a reduction in ICE and CBP officers, although specific numbers were not disclosed.
The administration defended the surge as necessary to combat criminal immigrants and cited challenges posed by state and local sanctuary laws. Homan emphasized the arrest of unauthorized individuals charged with serious crimes as a crucial aspect of the operation.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called for a quicker reduction in federal presence, expressing concerns over the operation’s impact on safety. Democrats have been advocating for changes in immigration enforcement practices, including demands for officers to reveal their identities and obtain judicial warrants in specific cases.
Tensions remain high in Minnesota despite efforts to de-escalate the situation. Recent incidents involving federal officers drawing guns on activists have sparked further controversy. Investigations into the fatal shootings of Good and Pretti are ongoing, with the Justice Department looking into potential civil rights violations. Additionally, federal officials are probing state authorities for allegedly hindering immigration enforcement efforts.
Recent departures of federal lawyers and attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota indicate internal discord within the Justice Department over its handling of the shootings. Discussions between federal and state officials are ongoing as efforts to address the situation continue.