A significant federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, known as "Operation Metro Surge," has concluded after two months. Described by the administration as the largest federal deployment of law enforcement in United States history, the operation faced legal challenges from Minnesota state and city officials, widespread protests, and a federal judge's rebuke for non-compliance with court orders. The withdrawal followed agreements for increased cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement. It occurred after two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were fatally shot during interactions with federal agents.
Operation Metro Surge: Launch and Legal Challenge
In December, the Trump administration launched "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota, deploying approximately 3,000 federal agents, primarily in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The administration stated the operation aimed to address dangers from "illegal aliens," claiming these were exacerbated by Minnesota's sanctuary city policies. It described the effort as targeting individuals illegally present in the U.S. and fulfilling campaign promises. Critics, however, asserted that the operation resulted in the detention of both migrants without criminal records and U.S. citizens.
Minnesota, along with Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the operation. They argued the federal presence caused harm to the state and its residents, violating the 10th Amendment by infringing on police powers and constituting unlawful coercion.
The lawsuit alleged the state was "singled out and targeted," with the operation serving as a pretext to leverage demands, punish political leaders opposing the administration's immigration policies, and potentially gain access to Minnesota's voter rolls.
Additionally, the state contended the federal presence disrupted healthcare, affected local businesses, prevented residents from attending religious services, and negatively impacted school attendance, leading to temporary school closures.
U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez denied Minnesota's motion for a temporary restraining order, citing that the plaintiffs had not met their burden of proof. She referenced an Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals case that vacated a preliminary injunction restricting federal agents' force on peaceful protesters, stating that halting the entire operation would be excessive if the previous injunction went too far. The judge concluded that with evidence supporting both sides and unclear relative merits, a preliminary injunction was not warranted. She requested further court filings from the Trump administration.
A key point of contention in the lawsuit was a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, which the state characterized as a "ransom note" linking an end to the surge to demands for voter registration records, welfare program data, and the repeal of sanctuary policies. Representatives for the Trump administration stated the letter merely acknowledged that fewer officers would be required if sanctuary policies were not in place.
Fatal Shootings and Disputed Accounts
The operation was marked by two fatal shootings involving federal agents.
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Renee Nicole Good: On January 7, Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Videos of the incident circulated on social media, contributing to protests against the federal operation. President Trump later described her death as a tragedy after learning her father supported him. No federal civil rights investigation was publicly announced for her death.
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Alex Pretti: On January 24, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents during a protest in Minneapolis. This marked the second time in under a month that a U.S. citizen was killed by agents in the city.
Accounts of Pretti's shooting varied significantly. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially stated agents fired in self-defense, alleging Pretti had a handgun and resisted disarming. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Pretti was shot for "brandishing" a gun, and other administration officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, referred to him as a "domestic terrorist" or "would-be assassin."
These accounts were challenged by eyewitnesses, local officials, and Pretti's family, who claimed Pretti was holding a phone, not a weapon, and was shot after his weapon was removed. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara reported that federal agents obstructed state officers from accessing the shooting scene. Pretti's parents accused the administration of disseminating "lies." Video footage reportedly showed Pretti shot approximately 10 times in the back after being tackled and disarmed. Local police confirmed Pretti was a lawful gun owner with no criminal record beyond traffic violations.
Following these conflicting reports, the White House adjusted its stance. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that President Trump had not characterized Pretti as a "domestic terrorist" and desired the investigation to proceed based on facts. Privately, administration officials viewed the shooting as a potential unintentional error by agents. Two U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents involved were placed on administrative leave, a standard protocol. A preliminary report issued on January 27 contradicted earlier official suggestions, specifying that two agents fired at Pretti after he did not comply with an order to move out of the street.
The U.S. Justice Department initiated a federal civil rights investigation into Pretti's death, with the FBI leading the inquiry. Videos from January 13, 11 days before Pretti's death, showed him yelling at federal vehicles, appearing to spit, and kicking the taillight of one vehicle, followed by a struggle with officers. An attorney for Pretti's parents stated that this earlier altercation did not justify the fatal shooting.
Judicial Scrutiny of Federal Agencies
Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in Minnesota criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for multiple violations of court orders, noting nearly 100 violations across 74 cases in January. He stated that ICE had likely violated more court orders in January than some federal agencies have in their entire existence. Judge Schiltz acknowledged that summoning a federal agency head is an extraordinary measure but noted the extensive nature of ICE's violations. He had initially ordered acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court to address non-compliance but later canceled the contempt of court proceeding.
Political Responses and Public Protests
The federal operation and fatal shootings prompted widespread opposition and protests across Minneapolis and other U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Demonstrators called for federal agents to leave and chanted "ICE out now." Reports indicated federal agents used tear gas and stun grenades against protesters.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly criticized the federal presence and called for the immediate withdrawal of agents. More than 60 Minnesota-based business executives, including those from 3M, Best Buy, Target, and UnitedHealth Group, signed an open letter calling for "an immediate de-escalation of tensions."
Opposition also emerged from within the Republican party. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed concerns about "federal tactics and accountability," and Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy described the Minneapolis shooting as "incredibly disturbing." Republican lawmakers and gun rights advocates, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), criticized President Trump's statements suggesting that Pretti, a lawful gun owner, should not have been carrying a weapon. The NRA called for a "full investigation" into Pretti's death. Conversely, left-leaning gun advocacy groups reported a surge in demand for firearms training following the killing, attributing it to fear and a desire to address perceived power imbalances from federal enforcement actions.
Democratic lawmakers in Congress demanded "dramatic changes" at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and indicated they might block a key government financing package if it included funds for DHS without reforms, raising the prospect of a government shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer commented that individuals should not be stopped on the street without being informed of the reason.
Trump Administration's Policy Adjustments and De-escalation
Following the backlash, the Trump administration began to adjust its approach. President Trump engaged in discussions with Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, with both describing the conversations as "productive" and "more collaborative." President Trump initially requested Walz to deport "Criminal Illegal Aliens" and cooperate, but later agreed to consider reducing the number of federal agents and to ensure state investigators could conduct independent investigations into the shootings.
Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, who had been leading the enforcement surge, was redeployed from Minnesota, with President Trump commenting on him as "a pretty out-there kind of guy." Tom Homan, the White House's border czar, was appointed to lead federal immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota.
Homan announced a plan to reduce the number of federal agents, contingent on cooperation from state and local officials, including granting federal agents access to undocumented immigrants held in state prisons and county jails. He emphasized a "zero tolerance" policy for protesters who assault federal officers. While stating a focus on prioritizing individuals with criminal records, he acknowledged collateral arrests could still occur.
On January 29, 700 federal law enforcement officers were withdrawn from Minnesota, representing approximately a 25% reduction of the initial deployment. Homan stated this followed "unprecedented cooperation" and allowed for resources to be reallocated. Vice President JD Vance clarified that the withdrawn officers were primarily stationed in Minneapolis for protective duties during arrests.
Separately, President Trump announced on February 1 that he had instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to refrain from intervening in protests in cities led by Democrats unless local authorities explicitly requested federal assistance. He stated federal buildings would still be protected. Trump also appeared to endorse the concept of immigration agents wearing body cameras or having their interactions filmed, stating it would "help law enforcement."
Operation Metro Surge Concludes
On February 4, the Trump administration announced the conclusion of "Operation Metro Surge." Tom Homan stated the decision followed improved coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement, which allowed more immigration detentions to occur in jails rather than through street operations. He confirmed that agreements for greater federal access to local jails had been strengthened.
The operation, which began in December, resulted in over 4,000 arrests. Homan characterized it as successful, claiming it left Minnesota "safer" and "less of a sanctuary state for criminals." However, reports indicated many of those arrested had no criminal records.
Mayor Frey commented that the community's resolve would "outlast an occupation," and Governor Walz remarked on the state's recovery, noting the significant impact on the economy, schools, and residents' lives. Walz reiterated that the state's approach to immigration enforcement remained unchanged, emphasizing support for targeted enforcement. He attributed the end of the surge to conversations initiated by Homan's arrival. Activists stated that the fight for accountability for the deaths and family separations was ongoing. Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, noted that approximately 16,840 people in Minnesota with final removal orders were still being sought.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Outlook
With the conclusion of the operation, the federal civil rights investigation into Alex Pretti's death, led by the FBI, continues. While the administration has scaled back its physical presence in Minnesota, the larger debate over immigration enforcement tactics, local-federal cooperation, and the balance of constitutional rights remains a subject of ongoing discussion and potential legislative action.