Credited from: ALJAZEERA
The Trump administration is set to withdraw approximately 700 federal immigration enforcement officers from Minnesota, reducing their numbers from about 3,000 to 2,000. This decision was announced by White House border czar Tom Homan, who attributed the drawdown to what he called "unprecedented collaboration" from local authorities, particularly county sheriffs, who have increased their cooperation with federal immigration agencies. Homan emphasized that this collaboration allows for fewer officers needed on the streets, thereby fostering a safer operational environment, according to latimes and scmp.
This announcement follows significant unrest in the Twin Cities, sparked by the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents during immigration enforcement operations. One incident involved protester Alex Pretti, whose death intensified community protests against the federal crackdown. In response to these tensions, Minnesota's local authorities have engaged in increased cooperation with ICE to facilitate the transfer of detained individuals directly from jails, rather than conducting street arrests, as stated by Reuters and ChannelNewsAsia.
Despite the reduction in officers, Homan reassured that the Trump administration's commitment to mass deportations remains unchanged. He indicated that enforcement operations will continue daily across the country. Homan also reiterated the administration's focus on priorities that target what they define as public safety threats among undocumented immigrants, maintaining that all immigration laws will be enforced consistently, as reported by Times of India and Al Jazeera.
The Trump administration's actions have drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates and local leaders who argue that such enforcement measures damage community trust and safety. The violent incidents involving federal agents have led Minnesota to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that their surge in immigration operations undermines local authority and community stability. The state's ongoing contention against the federal policy highlights the tensions between state and federal immigration enforcement, according to Le Monde and Reuters.