On Thursday, February 12, during a press conference, Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s so-called “border czar,” announced the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota after three months of fierce military occupation, which led to over 4,000 arrests, the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and massive protests by the population.
“I proposed, and President Trump agreed, a significant reduction in personnel and actions. It is already underway and will continue throughout next week,” Homan announced. “A small contingent of personnel will remain for the period of time necessary to close and transition full command and control to the field office. I will remain for a while longer to oversee the downsizing of this operation and ensure its success, working with state and local officials to improve coordination and achieve common goals,” Homan said.
The press conference was held at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, ICE headquarters in Minneapolis, in front of which numerous protests took place. However, the announcement of the withdrawal did not reassure the activists who gathered outside the building.
“Actions speak louder than words, so until we see them actually leave, we won’t believe it. We’ll stay here until they prove it, until they stop using their Gestapo SUVs, racing through our streets, kidnapping and killing our neighbors. Until that ends, we won’t believe it,” said Richie Mead, one of the protesters.
The same skepticism was expressed by activists from the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee and Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action, organizations committed to defending immigrant rights and opposing ICE raids.
In another press conference, prior to Homan’s, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he was “cautiously optimistic” about ICE’s withdrawal from Minnesota. “The federal government can move on to whatever else it wants to do. The state of Minnesota and our administration are firmly focused on recovering from the damage they have caused,” Walz added. “They have left us with deep damage, generational trauma, and many unanswered questions.”
Minnesota’s economy has been devastated by the raids by federal agents, so much so that Walz is expected to propose a $10 million emergency fund for small businesses that claim to have suffered financial damage as a result of Operation Metro Surge.
“They thought they could break us, but love for our neighbors and determination to resist can outlast an occupation. This operation has been catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses, and now it’s time for a big comeback,” echoed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Unfortunately, however, ICE operations are not stopping, given plans to open new offices in almost every state. It is to be hoped that the courageous nonviolent resistance of the people of Minneapolis will serve as an example to those who will face military occupation by federal agents.
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