Trump ICE Minnesota operations end as federal raids scale down after protests and public outrage over killings of US citizens

President Donald Trump’s administration has ended aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota following nationwide protests over the killing of two US citizens, officials confirmed on Thursday in Minneapolis.

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Trump’s lead immigration official, Tom Homan, announced the conclusion of the intensive operations outside Minneapolis, stating that a drawdown of agents is already underway and will continue through the coming week.

Homan said some officers may be redeployed elsewhere in the country but did not specify locations.

The raids, described by the administration as targeted missions against criminals, had sparked tense demonstrations and widespread criticism.

Fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, occurring less than three weeks apart last month, intensified public outrage and drew scrutiny of the methods used by ICE agents.

Homan highlighted that while the surge operation in Minnesota is ending, enforcement of immigration laws will continue nationwide.

He said the operations had improved public safety in the Twin Cities, asserting that more than 200 arrests had been made for interfering with federal officers.

The number of immigration-related arrests and deportations, however, was not disclosed.

Trump’s campaign against illegal immigration was central to his 2024 election victory, but videos and reports of masked agents detaining individuals on questionable grounds contributed to declining approval ratings.

The detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos on January 20 also drew sharp criticism.

Following the incidents, Trump replaced combative Customs and Border Protection commander Gregory Bovino with Homan, who sought to engage local Democratic leaders.

Minneapolis, a Democratic-run “sanctuary” city, does not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

Democrats have called for reforms to ICE, including ending mobile patrols, requiring warrants for operations, and prohibiting agents from concealing their faces.

Funding challenges in Washington may affect other sub-agencies if political negotiations fail, though ICE and CBP operations continue with existing congressional allocations.

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Homan emphasised the administration’s stance, stating, “The Twin Cities, Minnesota in general, are and will continue to be much safer for the communities here because of what we have accomplished under President Trump’s leadership.”