Trump’s border czar pulls 700 agents from Minnesota after deadly shootings of two US citizens

“Given this increase in unprecedented collaboration, and as a result of the need for less public safety officers to do this work and a safer environment, I am announcing, effective immediately, we’ll draw down 700 people effective today — 700 law enforcement personnel,” Homan said.

Homan said last week that federal officials could reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota, but only if state and local officials cooperate.

His comments came after President Donald Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.

“My goal, with with the support of President Trump, is to achieve a complete drawdown and end this surge, as soon as we can,” Holman said.

The Twin Cities area of Minnesota, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, had been the stage for the biggest and deadliest showdown between federal immigration agents and anti-ICE protesters since their deployment in December, with the stated goal of targeting “criminal illegal aliens.”

The demonstrations took a deadly turn on January 7, when Jonathan Ross, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old unarmed American citizen who was seated inside her car.

Weeks later, another US citizen, Alex Pretti, was shot dead by two federal agents, resulting in massive anger and protests across the US.

Initially, the Trump administration tried to blame the two victims, accusing them of committing acts of domestic terrorism. But under mounting pressure, the Trump administration was forced to act and withdraw Gregory Bovino, the Commander-at-Large and public face of the immigration crackdown, from Minneapolis. Bovino was replaced by Holman, who has taken a much more conciliatory approach.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, have been critical of the immigrant crackdown and had publicly urged the Trump administration to withdraw the federal agents from the city.

Last month, Governor Walz signed an executive order mobilizing the Minnesota National Guard following fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Reacting to Holman’s announcement, Governor Walz said in a post on X that it was a step in the right direction.

“Operation Metro Surge is not making Minnesota safer. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but we need a faster and larger drawdown of forces, state-led investigations into the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and an end to this campaign of retribution,” he said.

Minneapolis Mayor Frey also echoed a similar sentiment, but pointed out that there will still be ICE agents in the city, which is not de-escalation.

“The drawdown and body-worn cameras are a step in the right direction, but 2,000 ICE officers still here is not de-escalation. My message to the White House has been consistent – Operation Metro Surge has been catastrophic for our businesses and residents. It needs to end immediately,” Frey said.