White House border czar Tom Homan made it clear that the Trump administration is not ruling out new Immigration and Customs Enforcement deployments in other sanctuary cities, even as it begins drawing down its enforcement surge in Minnesota. Speaking on Face the Nation, Homan said future surges “depend on the situation,” adding that sanctuary cities may require federal authorities to “flood the zone” with additional agents when local conditions demand it. Apparently, enforcing the law is controversial now—who knew?
Homan’s comments came as Operation Metro Surge in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area starts to wind down after more than two months of heightened enforcement, legal disputes, and ongoing protests that intensified following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during confrontations with federal officers. The operation, which at its peak placed about 3,000 federal agents in Minnesota, became one of the most scrutinized immigration efforts of President Donald Trump’s second term.
At a press conference in Minneapolis announcing the drawdown, Homan said he and the president agreed the mission should “conclude” because cooperation with local officials had improved and enforcement goals had been met. Still, he emphasized that the withdrawal would be gradual, with a small force remaining temporarily to protect personnel and respond to protesters or what he called “agitators.” In other words, mission accomplished—but with a security detail.
Homan confirmed that more than 1,000 agents have already left Minnesota and that hundreds more will depart soon. He declined to say how many will remain, explaining only that the residual presence would be enough to ensure officer safety and maintain stability while agreements with local and state authorities stay in place.
Not surprisingly, Democratic leaders weren’t thrilled. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz criticized the operation’s impact, claiming it caused “deep damage, generational trauma, economic ruin,” and warned that future deployments to other cities could recreate the unrest seen in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey welcomed the drawdown but called for accountability and said the city would continue supporting immigrant communities.
Civil liberties groups also weighed in, with the American Civil Liberties Union citing polling that showed majorities disapproving of recent ICE actions and supporting an end to mass raids. Homan, however, defended the strategy, saying the Minnesota surge delivered “the successful results we came here for” and reaffirming that federal immigration law will be enforced regardless of sanctuary policies.
With most agents leaving Minnesota but a smaller force still in place, Homan underscored that future surges remain on the table. If federal officials decide another sanctuary city needs reinforcements, he said, “we will” send them.
And that’s the bottom line: while Minnesota winds down, America’s commitment to enforcing its laws doesn’t. Strong borders, consistent enforcement, and clear resolve remain the administration’s message—and for millions of Americans who believe in order and accountability, that’s something to stay optimistic about.
