• Immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota to end as of February 12, 2026.
• Over 4,000 arrests made under Operation Metro Surge, despite protests and fatalities.
• Governor Tim Walz supports end of operations due to community safety concerns.
• Tom Homan cites improved local collaboration as reason for drawdown.
• Controversial event sparked significant political backlash and protest actions.

Border czar Tom Homan announced the end of the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, which led to more than 4,000 arrests since its initiation in December. This significant crackdown, termed Operation Metro Surge, has fueled intense protests and resulted in the deaths of two citizens, creating substantial tension with state officials and residents. Homan stated, "the surge is leaving Minnesota safer," but acknowledged ongoing concerns surrounding detentions of individuals without criminal records, including children and U.S. citizens, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and Channel News Asia.

Homan's decision follows ongoing negotiations with Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who anticipated a resolution "in days, not weeks and months." The federal administration's claims of enhancing public safety are met with skepticism by local authorities, highlighting their concerns over the civilian impact of the operation. Walz emphasized this during a conference, calling the situation “an occupation” and a “retribution campaign” against Minnesota's residents according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

The operations have drawn significant criticism, especially after an increase in violent confrontations and fatalities. Homan recently announced that around 700 federal officers would immediately withdraw, although more than 2,000 remain active in the area at this time. The final drawdown is expected to continue into the following week, with Homan remaining in Minnesota to oversee this transition according to Anadolu Agency and India Times.