The Trump administration has suggested it could reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota following the fatal shootings of two US citizens, which sparked national outcry and a stand-off with local leaders.
At a press conference in Minneapolis, “Border Tsar” Tom Homan said the White House was looking for “common sense cooperation” from state officials to allow for a reduction in personnel.
The move comes as the city reels from the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by agents during immigration enforcement operations. Their deaths have ignited protests across the US and led to calls from both parties for a change in strategy.
‘Doing it smarter’
Mr. Homan, who was sent by President Trump to take control of the situation this week, insisted the administration was not “surrendering” its mission to deport undocumented immigrants.
“We’re just doing it smarter,” he told reporters. “President Trump wants this fixed, and I’m going to fix it.”
However, the administration remained vague on the details. It is unclear how many of the estimated 3,000 federal officers currently in the region would be removed, or when such a move might take place.
A city under siege
The presence of federal agents—part of a nationwide crackdown known as “Operation Metro Surge”—has created a rift between the White House and Minnesota’s Democratic leaders.
- The Demand: Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey have called for a total withdrawal of federal agents.
- The Legal Battle: The state has asked a federal judge to halt the operation entirely.
- The ‘Sanctuary’ Conflict: The White House has hit back, accusing Minneapolis of endangering the public with “sanctuary city” policies that bar local police from helping with deportations.
Governor Walz and Mayor Frey have held multiple phone calls with President Trump in recent days, but Mr. Homan indicated that any “drawdown” is strictly dependent on local officials falling in line with federal demands.
Record-breaking deportations
The scale of the current crackdown is unprecedented. According to internal documents obtained by the BBC’s US partner CBS News:
- 480,000: The number of deportations carried out by ICE in President Trump’s first year back in office.
- 75,000: The number of people currently held in federal immigration detention.
- Comparison: The new figures surpass the previous record of 410,000 set in 2012 under the Obama administration.
Analysis: A tactical retreat?
By Segun Ojumu, Africa Eye News
Tom Homan’s arrival in Minneapolis signals a shift in tone, but not necessarily in policy. By sidelining the previous commanders and talking about a “drawdown,” the White House is attempting to de-escalate a PR disaster following the deaths of two citizens.
However, the “cooperation” Homan is demanding essentially asks Democratic leaders to abandon the very sanctuary policies their voters support. If Walz and Frey refuse to blink, the “targeted” operation Homan promised could look very much like the one that led to the current crisis.
Add Comment