Here are the actual facts.
The Trump administration announced Wednesday that hundreds of federal immigration enforcement agents are being withdrawn from Minnesota, raising new questions about border enforcement priorities in Democrat-controlled states.
White House border enforcement chief Tom Homan confirmed during a press conference in Minneapolis that approximately 700 federal agents are leaving the Twin Cities immediately. He said the reduction follows what he described as “unprecedented cooperation” from local and county law enforcement agencies.
Homan indicated that the administration’s long-term goal is a complete federal drawdown, provided cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues.
Local Cooperation Changes Enforcement Strategy
Homan said he recently sat down with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to press them on permitting local jails to alert federal authorities before releasing immigrants in the country illegally who are already being held.
According to Homan, more counties across Minnesota are now coordinating with ICE, allowing agents to take custody of criminal illegal immigrants inside detention facilities rather than conducting arrests in neighborhoods.
“This method is far more efficient and safer,” Homan explained. “It reduces the number of officers needed and minimizes risk to the public.”
Federal Agents Begin Immediate Withdrawal
Because of the increased cooperation, Homan said the federal government no longer needs such a large on-the-ground presence.
“As a result of this collaboration and improved efficiency, we are withdrawing 700 federal personnel effective immediately,” he said.
Homan emphasized that the federal government is not requiring local jails to hold inmates beyond their legal release dates, adding that local officials are not being asked to enforce immigration law themselves.
Democratic Leaders Push for Faster Exit
Minnesota’s Democratic leadership welcomed the announcement but made clear they want federal agents removed even faster.
Governor Walz described the drawdown as “a step in the right direction,” while calling for additional reductions and further state-led investigations into recent confrontations involving federal officers.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also said the move did not go far enough, arguing that full “de-escalation” has yet to be achieved.
Why Federal Agents Were Deployed
President Donald Trump dispatched Homan to Minnesota last week following violent unrest connected to anti-ICE demonstrations in Minneapolis.
Federal officers have faced organized resistance, including harassment and interference with enforcement operations across Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Shortly after Homan’s arrival, U.S. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino also departed the state.
Republicans Demand Answers
Republicans on Capitol Hill are now calling for investigations into the funding and coordination behind the organized resistance targeting federal law enforcement.
Lawmakers argue that identifying those financial backers is essential to protecting public safety and ensuring immigration laws are enforced without political interference.
The Minnesota drawdown highlights the growing tension between federal immigration authority and Democrat-led states—and raises questions about whether enforcement strategies are evolving or being forced to retreat.
