Walz: ‘Days, Not Weeks’ For Possible End To Operation Metro Surge

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that the federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota could begin winding down within days, signaling a possible end to Operation Metro Surge after weeks of heightened federal activity that included two deadly shootings by federal agents.

Walz said he has spoken this week with White House border official Tom Homan and Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles, and was left with the impression that a drawdown of federal agents is imminent.

“It’s my expectation, and we will hear more from them in the next day or so, that we are talking days, not weeks and months,” Walz said, according to the Star Tribune.

Operation Metro Surge launched in December and brought roughly 3,000 federal immigration agents into Minnesota, during which two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal officers.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced it would withdraw about 700 agents from the state, a move Homan said was tied to what he described as increased cooperation from state and local officials.

Even after the 700-agent reduction, roughly 2,000 federal agents are believed to remain in Minnesota. Homan has said a full drawdown would depend on activists not "impeding" federal operations and on expanded access for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to local jails.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also met with Homan this week and described the meeting as positive. Frey said he is increasingly hopeful the operation will soon come to an end and has urged federal officials to set a clear and definitive end date.

Walz said communication between Minnesota officials and the federal government has improved in recent days, describing near-daily contact.

"It would be my hope that Mr. Homan goes out before Friday and announces that this thing is done," Walz said.

State and city officials have pointed to widespread economic and workforce disruptions tied to the federal surge as part of their case for ending the operation. Walz has said there is “absolutely no upside” to continuing the enforcement effort and has cited polling showing public opposition to ICE’s actions in Minnesota.

READ MORE: Minneapolis Losing Up To $20M A Week As Immigration Enforcement Keeps Shoppers, Workers Home