Senior US Immigration Officials Are Working On Plans

Senior US immigration officials are working on plans to reduce the number of federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, the White House’s “border tsar” Tom Homan announced amid mounting political and public pressure. This signals a potential shift in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown strategy after weeks of unrest and controversy. Homan, appointed by President Donald Trump to oversee the federal immigration response in Minneapolis following a series of violent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, said officials are drafting a drawdown plan that would scale back the federal enforcement footprint in the city.
The move comes after Operation Metro Surge, an aggressive immigration enforcement operation launched in late 2025 that deployed thousands of federal agents (ICE and Border Patrol) to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.The operation has faced intense backlash after at least two fatal shootings by federal agents including the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti which sparked protests, legal challenges and widespread criticism from civic leaders, civil rights advocates and even some Republicans. Local and state officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have urged the federal government to reduce or end the federal presence in the city as tensions escalate. What the border tsar and White House say
At a news conference, Tom Homan described ongoing talks with state and local leaders as productive and suggested that cooperation could be the key to reducing the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. Homan emphasised that a drawdown plan is contingent on improved coordination with Minnesota officials
Homan said the mission would continue but with a “smarter, more targeted” approach focused on immigration cases involving criminals with serious convictions, rather than the broader sweep tactics that marked earlier phases of the operation.
President Trump himself has also suggested a possible de-escalation of federal tactics in Minnesota, saying he is open to adjustments following talks with Walz and Frey. Trump indicated a shift away from broad immigration enforcement towards a more restrained posture.
Reports confirm that Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and some agents under his command are set to leave Minneapolis, marking the beginning of an operational change.
This leadership change places Tom Homan as the principal federal coordinator on the ground, replacing the more aggressive enforcement style that preceded his deployment.
Minneapolis Mayor Frey has said that “some federal agents” will begin leaving the city amid fierce criticism of the surge.
Local officials and civil liberties groups have called for a complete withdrawal of federal agents, citing community fears, constitutional concerns and accusations of unlawful practices during raids.
Protests continue in Minneapolis as residents demand accountability and an end to aggressive immigration enforcement after the deaths of Alex Pretti and another US citizen.
Legal battles are ongoing, including lawsuits filed by Minnesota’s Democratic leaders alleging federal overreach and constitutional violations.The change of tone and strategic pivot in Minneapolis may influence broader national debates over immigration policy, federal vs local enforcement authority, and civil rights protections. Some Republican lawmakers have also expressed concern over the fallout from the Minneapolis operation.