Withdrawal of Federal Agents Prompts Demands for Answers and Recovery Efforts
- Rebecca Gilbuena
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
White House border czar Tom Homan said this morning that federal immigration agents will begin withdrawing from the Twin Cities, with a significant drawdown expected to take place over the coming days. Homan praised Minnesota’s Democratic leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and state Attorney General Keith Ellison, for cooperating with the federal efforts.
Homan described the operation as successful, framing the move as the natural conclusion of federal enforcement efforts. However, local officials and advocacy groups question that narrative, arguing that the operation caused widespread terror and lasting harm in immigrant communities.
A People United, Can Never be Defeated
Labor, faith and community organizations affiliated with the ICE Out of Minnesota coalition said the federal government’s decision to end the surge reflects months of public resistance rather than the achievement of policy goals.
In a joint statement, the coalition said residents across Minnesota organized demonstrations, work stoppages and mutual aid efforts to protect immigrant neighbors and challenge federal enforcement actions.
“President Trump thought he could break us, but he was wrong. Over the last three months Minnesotans showed our country what it means to stand up to tyranny and protect our communities. In the coldest months of winter, when it would have been easy to stay home and look the other way, we bundled up, headed out into our communities and said 'no.'”
While coalition members acknowledged relief that federal enforcement activity appears to be scaling back, they emphasized that they remain distrustful of federal messaging surrounding the operation’s success.
“These masked agents leaving our state can be spun any way people want, but history will show what this was: regular people … refusing to let our neighbors be attacked and abducted without a fight,” the coalition said.
Minneapolis Leaders Welcome Withdrawal, Stress Recovery
Minneapolis leaders struck a similarly cautious tone, expressing hope that the withdrawal will allow communities to begin recovering while acknowledging the deep divisions left by the operation.
The Minneapolis Delegation in the Minnesota House of Representatives released the following statement:
"This long overdue announcement is a welcome potential first step in achieving justice for our city and residents. That said, we will not feel relief or let up in our vigilance until every last DHS/ICE agent associated with this surge has left. The Trump Administration has repeatedly lied to our faces and Tom Holman’s statements made clear that they do not plan on letting up on their brutal and lawless anti-immigrant campaign. Only after their departure is confirmed and unconstitutional actions have ended will we take a moment to rest.”
Mayor Jacob Frey described the enforcement surge as devastating to neighborhoods and businesses, while crediting residents with maintaining solidarity during months of tension.
“This operation has been catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses, and now it’s time for a great comeback,” Frey said, adding that the city remains committed to supporting immigrant residents as it works to rebuild.
Saint Paul Calls for Accountability Despite Federal Assurances
In Saint Paul, Mayor Kaohly Her expressed concern that federal announcements have not always matched events on the ground. Her pointed to Wednesday's high-speed federal enforcement pursuit in Saint Paul as evidence that risks remain, despite claims of a drawdown.
“Regardless of any announced drawdown, we will continue moving forward with our work: setting clear expectations and demanding better for our residents,” said Her.
Her also announced the signing of a new city ordinance requiring greater transparency from federal law enforcement officers operating within Saint Paul. The ordinance requires officers to clearly identify the agencies they represent, addressing concerns that federal personnel have used generic police-style uniforms that residents say create confusion and erode public trust.
“With this new ordinance, we are establishing clear rules of engagement and insisting on greater transparency from federal authorities. Our residents deserve to know who is operating in their city simply by looking at them,” Her said. “Transparency is essential to accountability — and accountability is essential to protecting the rights and safety of our community.”
The Real Impact
While federal officials maintain the operation strengthened immigration enforcement, the surge has had significant impacts on families, schools, and businesses. In Minneapolis alone, estimates suggest:
76,000 more people citywide may be experiencing food insecurity than compared to before the surge
People afraid to leave their homes have lost $47 million in wages each month
Lost wages leading to a monthly need of $15.7 million in rent assistance
Local businesses are losing $10-$20 million per week in revenue.
The ICE Out of Minnesota coalition described the deep harm and trauma these last few months have brought to our neighborhoods:
“Thousands of families torn apart. Alex Pretti and Renee Good murdered in our streets. Thousands of Minnesotans attacked and their civil rights violated simply for bearing witness. Students fearful to go to school, local small businesses having to shutter their doors.”
The coalition is calling for additional measures, including:
returning detainees transferred out of state,
dropping charges against constitutional observers,
investigating federal enforcement practices,
providing financial support to impacted businesses and workers,
and halting expanded cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies.
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