The border chief Tom Homan, appointed by the Trump Administration, immediately withdrew this Wednesday 700 border agents from Minnesota and Minneapolis. The decision responds to unprecedented local cooperation after weeks of protests over a federal operation that caused two deaths and allegations of harassment.
Tension over federal operation in Twin Cities
In a press conference in Minneapolis, the border chief explained that the collaboration of counties in Minnesota and the Twin Cities — Saint Paul and Minneapolis — allows for the direct delivery of undocumented immigrants arrested to federal agents. This reduces the need for ICE and Border Patrol street presence, making the environment safer.
“Due to this unprecedented increase in collaboration and the need for fewer agents, I announced that we are reducing our presence by 700 agents today”, Homan stated.
Partial success of the operation despite controversies
Deaths and detentions that fueled protests
The operation, classified as successful by the border chief, removed numerous criminals from the streets according to federal reports, although Homan admitted imperfections. Two Americans, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, died in a shootout during the intervention. Additionally, the detention of a five-year-old Ecuadorian boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, along with his father, intensified social tension.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, criticized the deployment for increasing conflict without improving security. Homan maintains productive meetings with them. After Pretti’s homicide on January 24, Trump placed the border chief at the forefront to de-escalate the situation in this Democratic stronghold.
Context of Trump’s immigration policies
This action is part of Trump’s tough immigration agenda, where Homan, former acting ICE director, leads operations against undocumented immigrants. In 2017-2018, similar deployments in sanctuary cities generated massive protests, with arrests exceeding 10,000 people according to DHS data. Migration experts highlight that local cooperation accelerates deportations, but warn of risks to community trust erosion.
- Immediate withdrawal: 700 agents fewer on the streets.
- Collaboration: Direct delivery of undocumented arrested immigrants.
- Human costs: Two deaths and controversial detentions.
The border chief emphasizes the focus on public safety, while Democrats call for reviewing the ICE. This measure marks a shift in Minneapolis, prioritizing efficiency over visible presence.
