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White House border czar Tom Homan speaks at a news conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Feb. 4, 2026. (Charly Triballeau – AFP / Getty Images)
By Johnathan Jones February 12, 2026 at 8:13am
President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced Thursday that a major federal immigration operation in Minnesota is coming to a close.
Homan made the announcement during a Thursday morning news conference.
Fox News confirmed that the administration will conclude Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, which has targeted thousands of illegal alien criminals.
Two anti-ICE protesters also died after violent clashes with agents.
“I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan said.
TOM HOMAN on operation in Minneapolis: “I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude.”
“A significant drawdown has already been underway this week and will continue through the next week.” pic.twitter.com/Tgj3zOrlMc
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 12, 2026
He added that “a significant drawdown has already been underway this week and will continue through the next week.”
Homan pushed back on claims that enforcement tactics were harsh.
“During this surge operation, ICE has not arrested anybody inside a hospital,” he said. “We have not arrested anybody inside of an elementary school. We have not arrested anybody inside a church.”
He did make it clear that those locations are not permanently shielded.
HOMAN: “During this surge operation, ICE has not arrested anybody inside a hospital. We have not arrested anybody inside of an elementary school. We have not arrested anybody inside a church.”
“However, those locations are not off the table.”
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) February 12, 2026
“However, those locations are not off the table,” Homan said.
“It shouldn’t be a partisan issue that you arrest public safety threats in the safety and security of a jail.”
.@RealTomHoman: “It shouldn’t be a partisan issue that you arrest public safety threats in the safety and security of a jail. Releasing public safety threats back into the public is just stupid… I hope Congress takes action on sanctuary cities and sanctuary states.” pic.twitter.com/dPaw2HPKaH
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 12, 2026
“Releasing public safety threats back into the public is just stupid… I hope Congress takes action on sanctuary cities and sanctuary states.”
Johnathan Jones is a journalist, novelist, and media analyst with experience as a reporter, editor, and producer across radio, television, and digital platforms. Follow him on X: @misterjkjones
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