By: Izzy Canizares | Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, NNPA

For over three months, more than 2,000 Immigration and Customs officers have occupied Minnesota, terrifying residents and leading to fatal consequences. Now, an end appears to be in sight, at least on paper, a feat that would not have been possible without residents who refused to stay silent.

Border czar Tom Homan announced on Feb. 12 that Immigration and Customs’ “Metro Surge” would soon wrap up operations, stating that DHS has arrested around 4,000 undocumented immigrants. The operation has faced nationwide criticism due to the violence it has brought to Minneapolis streets, including the deaths of two Minnesota residents at the hands of DHS agents.

“I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan said. The news has been corroborated by state leaders, including Governor Walz and Mayor Frey.

“They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation,” Mayor Frey wrote on Facebook. “These patriots of Minneapolis are showing that it’s not just about resistance — standing with our neighbors is deeply American.”

“Minnesotans are decent, caring, loving neighbors, and they’re also some of the toughest damn people you’ll ever find. And we’re in this as long as it takes,” Governor Walz said during a press conference on Feb. 12, shortly after Homan’s remarks.

Homan said a “significant drawdown” of officers could begin as early as this week. He has not confirmed how many will leave, saying only that he will remain in the state “for a little longer” as operations wind down. Governor Walz said officers are expected to depart as soon as this week, with staffing returning to the original 150 agents who were in Minnesota before the “surge.”

Many who have watched neighbors live in fear for the past three months may feel inclined to breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate a job well done. But despite the rhetoric, the fact that Minnesota law enforcement and leaders are “cooperating” with ICE officials should not go unnoticed.

Homan attributed the alleged drawdown to “unprecedented cooperation” among state law enforcement, claiming the state “is less of a sanctuary state for criminals.” One example of this cooperation involves law enforcement transferring inmates wanted by ICE into federal custody upon release. A practice that has drawn criticism.

“While I don’t agree with Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison on everything, I appreciate the support the government gives to state agencies who coordinate with us in a manner intended to promote public safety,” Homan said. “We now have the ability to arrest criminal aliens in the safety and security of jails throughout the state.”

Homan also took final shots at Minnesota community members who, for the past 70 days, have resisted the ICE presence by patrolling neighborhoods and fulfilling mutual aid requests. According to Homan, more than 200 “agitators” were arrested by DHS for allegedly attacking ICE agents.

“We will not tolerate unlawful actions committed by agitators who are just causing havoc; this is not the way to express your disagreement,” Homan said. His comments came 24 hours after an ICE-related pursuit ended in a three-car crash in St. Paul, leaving one man injured. Despite Homan’s efforts to portray these residents negatively, leaders in Minnesota and across the nation have praised the work residents have done to protect one another, with “The Nation” nominating the city of Minneapolis for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in a historic first.

“He picked the wrong state to make an example of, and that is where things sit today. We’re certainly not going to celebrate something that should have never happened,” Governor Walz said. “Stand up for your neighbors, speak out when you need to speak out, and do so peacefully, because as I said then, and every one of you proves the fact is, at the end of the day, that will win out. That is the way a democracy should function.”

Izzy Canizares is a freelance journalist and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.