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Trump Orders Softer Immigration Tactics as Minnesota Federal Agent Presence Shrinks

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  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks to reporters while visiting Capitol HIll
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    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks to reporters while visiting Capitol HIll (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks to reporters while visiting Capitol HIll
    Image: BBC
    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks to reporters while visiting Capitol HIll (Getty Images) Source Full size

Quarter‑Force Reduction Implements Softer Immigration Approach President Donald Trump told reporters that immigration officers should use a “softer touch” as his administration pulls back roughly a quarter of its force from Minnesota. The drawdown removes about 700 federal agents, leaving an estimated 2,000 officers on the ground. The reduction brings the federal presence closer to pre‑Operation Metro Surge levels, which previously deployed about 3,000 officers. Trump framed the change as a de‑escalation while maintaining the overall immigration mission [1].

Drawdown Linked to State‑Local Cooperation Agreements White House border czar Tom Homan said the drawdown will proceed only if state and local officials cooperate with federal authorities and curb “hateful rhetoric.” In late January he offered a conditional reduction without specifying numbers, emphasizing a shift to “more targeted” operations [2][3]. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed hope for fewer agents, while Homan warned that non‑cooperation could limit further cuts. The administration has not announced a concrete timeline for the remaining withdrawals [2][3].

Pretti and Good Shootings Fuel Citywide Protests The deaths of 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti, shot by Border Patrol, and 37‑year‑old Renee Good, killed by an ICE officer, sparked protests across Minneapolis and nationwide. Governor Tim Walz called the pullback a “step in the right direction” but demanded a faster, larger withdrawal and state‑led investigations into the killings [1][2]. President Trump labeled Pretti an “agitator” and defended the ICE officer as “calm and cool” after video of a prior altercation surfaced [2][5]. Local officials, including Mayor Frey, rejected the justification and called for the agents involved to be held accountable [4][5].

Governors, Congress, and DOJ React to Federal Strategy Governor Walz welcomed the reduction but urged a more rapid drawdown and an end to what he called a “campaign of retribution.” The Department of Justice removed lawyer Julie Le after she publicly criticized the system, highlighting internal tensions [1]. Senate Democrats blocked DHS funding in a spending bill, demanding tighter ICE oversight such as body‑camera use and limits on warrantless searches [2][5]. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended adviser Stephen Miller amid reports of presidential unease, illustrating ongoing White House disputes over immigration policy [1].

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Timeline

Nov 2025 – A Cato Institute study finds only 5 % of ICE detainees since Oct 1, 2025 have violent convictions, challenging the administration’s claim that deportations target “the worst of the worst” [7].

Dec 1, 2025 – The Trump administration launches Operation Metro Surge, deploying roughly 3,000 ICE, Border Patrol and DHS officers to Minnesota, far outnumbering local police and marking the most aggressive immigration sweep in recent history [12][28].

Early Jan 2026 – ICE officer shoots activist Renee Good in her vehicle during a protest, sparking nationwide outrage and prompting Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul to sue DHS for a rollback to pre‑surge conditions [2][20][28].

Jan 24, 2026 – Border Patrol officer fatally shoots ICU nurse Alex Pretti during a Minneapolis demonstration; video later shows Pretti unarmed, contradicting early administration claims that he was a “domestic terrorist” [3][8][21].

Jan 26, 2026 – President Trump appoints “border czar” Tom Homan to oversee Minnesota ICE operations, removes Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino from the field, and orders a “big investigation” into Pretti’s killing, while Deputy AG Todd Blanche refuses to endorse DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s terrorist label for Pretti [21][22][23].

Jan 27, 2026 – Trump posts on Truth Social that his call with Gov. Tim Walz was “very good” and that “lots of progress is being made,” while Mayor Jacob Frey announces federal agents will begin departing the Twin Cities the next day; Judge Katherine Menendez hears arguments on a temporary halt to the surge [17][18][30].

Jan 28, 2026 – Trump blames DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for the fallout, promises a “big investigation,” and a CNN/SSRS poll shows 52 % of Americans think ICE actions have gone too far [7][26].

Jan 29, 2026 – Homan tells reporters a draw‑down of roughly 700 agents will occur if state and local leaders cooperate, announces new ICE guidance prohibiting engagement with “agitators,” and notes DHS will equip all Minneapolis police with body‑worn cameras after 14 homicide suspects and 28 gang members are arrested by federal agents [1][4][6].

Jan 30, 2026 – The White House reiterates that a further reduction of federal immigration personnel in Minneapolis hinges on local officials’ willingness to work with federal authorities, though no specific numbers or timeline are given [2].

Feb 4, 2026 – Trump urges a “softer touch” as his administration withdraws roughly a quarter of its force from Minnesota, removing about 700 agents and leaving 2,000 on the ground, while Governor Tim Walz welcomes the pullback but calls for a faster, larger drawdown and state‑led investigations [1].

Feb 6‑22, 2026 (future) – ICE is slated to support diplomatic security for the Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics, despite opposition from the host city’s mayor [8].

Late Feb 2026 (future) – Homan signals that additional drawdowns could be larger if Minnesota ends “hateful rhetoric” and stops protest interference, tying further reductions to state‑local cooperation [6].

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