BREAKING: Tom Homan Announces End to Major ICE Surge in Minnesota

President Donald J. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced Thursday that a major federal immigration enforcement initiative in Minnesota is winding down after what officials describe as a sweeping effort to target criminal illegal aliens.

Speaking at a Thursday morning press conference, Homan confirmed that the administration will formally conclude Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale enforcement push focused on apprehending illegal immigrants with criminal records in the state.

Fox News confirmed that the operation targeted thousands of illegal alien criminals during its deployment. The enforcement effort also drew significant backlash from activists, with two anti-ICE protesters reportedly dying following violent clashes with federal agents.

“I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan said.

He noted that the operation has already begun scaling back.

He added that “a significant drawdown has already been underway this week and will continue through the next week.”

Operation Metro Surge became a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement, particularly in a state where sanctuary-style policies and progressive leadership have frequently clashed with federal priorities under President Trump’s second term.

Homan forcefully rejected claims that Immigration and Customs Enforcement engaged in reckless or overly aggressive tactics during the operation.

“During this surge operation, ICE has not arrested anybody inside a hospital,” he said. “We have not arrested anybody inside of an elementary school. We have not arrested anybody inside a church.”

At the same time, Homan made clear that no location is automatically exempt when public safety is at stake.

“However, those locations are not off the table,” Homan said.

Framing the issue as one of basic law enforcement rather than partisan politics, Homan emphasized that targeting criminal offenders should not divide Americans along party lines.

“It shouldn’t be a partisan issue that you arrest public safety threats in the safety and security of a jail.”

He reserved especially sharp criticism for sanctuary policies that restrict cooperation between local jurisdictions and federal immigration authorities.

“Releasing public safety threats back into the public is just stupid… I hope Congress takes action on sanctuary cities and sanctuary states.”

Under President Trump’s leadership, immigration enforcement has once again become a central pillar of federal policy, with the administration arguing that strong interior enforcement is essential to restoring rule of law, protecting American communities, and deterring further illegal entry.

While Operation Metro Surge may be coming to a close, the broader crackdown on criminal illegal immigration appears far from over.