MINNEAPOLIS — The Trump administration is pulling 700 immigration officers out of Minnesota today, after state and local leaders agreed to assist federal efforts.
Federal immigration official Tom Homan announced the immediate withdrawal on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. The move reduces the federal force in the state by about 25%, leaving approximately 2,000 agents in Minnesota.
The change follows an agreement for Minnesota officials to hand over arrested immigrants to federal agents. Under the deal, the federal government also asked local jails to tell Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they are holding people who could be deported.
Federal officials said it is safer for agents to pick up people at local jails instead of searching for them in neighborhoods. Homan called recent operations in the Twin Cities a success for public safety, stating that the efforts have removed many people from the streets.
Recent Unrest and Tensions
The reduction in federal officers follows weeks of tension in the area. Recently, federal officers shot and killed a protester in Minneapolis. This was the second death involving federal agents in the city in just a few weeks, and the incident led to ongoing protests across the Twin Cities.
Homan said removing more officers depends on the public’s cooperation and an end to disruptions. He noted that a complete withdrawal would only happen if the public stops interfering with federal work, specifically citing the roadblocks that have slowed down agents during arrests.
Currently, there is no set schedule to remove the remaining 2,000 officers. Officials will continue to watch the situation and how well local authorities cooperate. Homan said the goal is to keep the public safe while letting the federal government move officers where they are needed most.
