The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it will immediately reduce the number of federal immigration law enforcement officers in Minnesota. Despite this reduction, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette remain concerned about the thousands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents still in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities area and statewide.  

The announcement from U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan comes days after U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said ICE agents will also start wearing cameras as part of their enforcement actions.

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

Effects of Operation Metro Surge

There have been significant impacts on the city since Operation Metro Surge began in December. The community lost Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the entire city continues to feel the negative impacts of the ongoing presence of federal agents. City officials hear daily about residents who are afraid to go to work and school, and business owners who have closed their doors or are unable to pay their employees.

Even with Homan praising federal agents in this morning’s drawdown announcement - and despite assertions that the federal agents are making the City safer -- two of the three homicides in Minneapolis this year have been committed by ICE agents. 

“Too many of our neighbors are feeling fear and uncertainty in our community,” said Commissioner Todd Barnette of the Minneapolis Office of Community Safety. “The continued presence of federal immigration enforcement agents affects businesses, schools, and disrupts our daily lives. This drawdown must be matched with accountability and transparency from those who remain here.”

Peaceful protesting

Homan announced that a total end to the surge is contingent on ICE officers’ safety from protesters. City leaders, including the mayor and police chief, have urged peaceful demonstrations from the beginning.

The City supports the right to peacefully protest and exercise First Amendment rights.

• People can assemble peacefully in public spaces and on sidewalks, not roadways or freeways.
• They can carry signs and chant.
• They cannot throw objects, start fires, block traffic or damage property.
• They also cannot use fireworks or weapons.

The City has cleared makeshift barricades on streets in recent weeks. Blocking streets is a serious concern for fire and emergency medical response because it can delay response times and restrict access for emergency vehicles.  Keeping streets clear is a critical part of the City’s responsibility to protect lives, property, and first responders during emergencies.

Community support

The City of Minneapolis continues to support its community – providing resources including food and rental assistance, legal resources, and resources for health matters, among other critical needs. This information can be found on the City Federal Response page.