WASHINGTON/ MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a decision that has eased tensions in Minnesota following widespread outrage over federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. The move comes after intense pressure from state officials and community leaders as protests gripped the city in response to deadly confrontations involving federal agents.
Trump dispatched his designated border czar, Tom Homan, to oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota and review the federal strategy after violent clashes and public criticism. Concurrently, a senior U.S. Border Patrol commander and some agents are expected to leave the area.
The partial shift in federal posture followed a phone call between Trump and Jacob Frey, during which they discussed ways to reduce hostilities in the Twin Cities. Frey said that some agents would begin withdrawing from Minneapolis, a decision welcomed by local leaders after weeks of protests over aggressive immigration enforcement.
The developments come amid intense criticism of the federal immigration crackdown, which has drawn attention to the controversial deployment known as Operation Metro Surge. Federal agents have faced sharp backlash following the fatal shooting of Minnesota residents during enforcement actions, prompting protests and calls from state officials for changes to the approach.
State and local leaders had been under mounting pressure as demonstrations and civil unrest continued, particularly after recent fatal shootings at the hands of federal agents. The presence of thousands of federal agents and the strategy itself became a focal point of debate over civil liberties, public safety, and local authority.
Trump’s decision to adjust the federal presence and assign Homan to lead operations represents an attempt to calm tensions and recalibrate relations between federal and local authorities in Minnesota. Discussions between federal and state officials are expected to continue as efforts to find a more sustainable approach to immigration enforcement in the region proceed.
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