Image: from Lena X@LenaClaire89
By Open Chronicle Staff | February 4, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS — In a sudden shift of strategy for the Trump administration’s domestic immigration operations, White House “border czar” Tom Homan announced Wednesday that approximately 700 federal officers will be withdrawn from Minnesota effective immediately.
The move marks the first significant drawdown of federal forces since the administration began an aggressive enforcement campaign in the region, which has seen the deployment of roughly 3,000 personnel. Homan, speaking at a news conference at the Bishop Whipple Federal Building, attributed the decision to a breakthrough in “unprecedented collaboration” with local authorities.
“Given this increase in collaboration, and as a result of the need for fewer public safety officers to do this work and a safer environment, I am announcing, effective today, we will draw down 700 people,” Homan stated.
MAJOR UPDATE – Tom Homan just dropped this from Minneapolis presser:
• 700 federal agents/law enforcement pulled out EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
• Due to "unprecedented cooperation" from MN counties & sheriffs
• ~2,000 remain (down ~25% from surge)
• Goal: Full… pic.twitter.com/xRBkWnNHrH— Breaking News (@TheNewsTrending) February 4, 2026
The withdrawal follows weeks of intense civil unrest and economic strain in the Twin Cities. The federal presence has been a lightning rod for controversy, particularly after the fatal shootings of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents, incidents that sparked nationwide condemnation and escalated tensions on the ground. Local officials have estimated that the ongoing operations were costing the Minneapolis economy up to $20 million per week as businesses shuttered and residents avoided public spaces.
According to Homan, the reduction was made possible because several jurisdictions have agreed to turn over arrested immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) directly from local jails. The administration has long argued that such cooperation is safer for both officers and the public, as it reduces the need for “at-large” arrests in neighborhoods and workplaces.
Despite the drawdown, Homan cautioned that the remaining 2,300 officers would stay in place until all interference with federal operations ceases. “A widespread withdrawal will only occur after people stop interfering with federal agents carrying out arrests and setting up roadblocks,” he warned.
The announcement comes as a relief to many Twin Cities leaders and educators who have reported a climate of fear. In recent days, school districts reported that students had been detained during school pickups, prompting Minneapolis Public Schools to transition to e-learning options to protect families.
While Homan hailed the operation as a “success” in terms of public safety, President Donald Trump suggested in a recent interview that the administration might be shifting toward a “softer touch” while remaining “tough” on enforcement.
Vice President JD Vance echoed this sentiment, clarifying that the agents being sent home were primarily support personnel sent to protect those carrying out the actual arrests. “We’re not drawing down the immigration enforcement,” Vance said. “We’re drawing down some of the federal officers that were helping the guys do immigration enforcement.”
The situation in Minnesota remains a focal point for the administration’s broader national immigration policy, as other “sanctuary” cities watch closely to see if similar negotiations will lead to a reduction of federal presence elsewhere.