Gov. Tim Walz says federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota could end within days

Minnesota Governor Predicts Imminent End to Federal Immigration Crackdown

Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday that the controversial federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota will likely conclude within days, following discussions with senior Trump administration officials.

“We’re very much in a trust but verify mode,” Walz told reporters at a Minneapolis news conference. The Democratic governor said he expects to hear more details about the operation’s conclusion “in the next day or so,” based on recent conversations with border czar Tom Homan on Monday and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles on Tuesday morning.

Walz characterized the federal presence as an “occupation” and a “retribution campaign” against the state, expressing cautious optimism about its impending end. “Every indication I have is that this thing is winding up,” he said, though he acknowledged the situation remains fluid.

The governor specifically stated his hope that Homan would announce by Friday “that this thing is done, and they’re bringing her down and they’re bringing her down in days.”

The federal operation has faced mounting scrutiny since late January when Homan took control following the second fatal shooting by federal officers involved in the crackdown. These incidents sparked significant political backlash and raised questions about operational protocols.

While Walz acknowledged Homan’s statement last week that 700 federal officers would immediately depart Minnesota, he noted that approximately 2,300 officers still remain deployed across the state. Homan had previously cited an “increase in unprecedented collaboration” with local authorities as justification for reducing the federal presence.

A key point of contention has been the investigations into the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers. Walz indicated he expects forthcoming “cooperation on joint investigations” into these incidents. State investigators have previously complained about being “frozen out” of these cases, with no access to evidence or cooperation from federal authorities.

The economic impact of the enforcement surge was a primary focus of Tuesday’s news conference, held at The Market at Malcolm Yards, a food hall in Minneapolis. Owner Patty Wall described the local restaurant industry as “collateral damage” from the federal crackdown.

Matt Varilek, the governor’s employment and economic development commissioner, noted that Malcolm Yards would normally be bustling with activity but is now struggling because both employees and customers fear coming to the area due to the enforcement actions.

“The fear that has been sown, I haven’t really noticed any reduction in that,” Varilek said, despite the governor’s optimistic outlook.

Even as Walz was expressing hope for a swift conclusion to the operation, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted a high-profile arrest inside the lobby of Hennepin County’s main government building in downtown Minneapolis. Officers apprehended a man who had arrived for a court appearance on charges of possessing over 50 pounds of methamphetamine after a brief foot chase.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty condemned the arrest as “disruptive and disturbing to many,” stating it left building staff afraid to leave their offices for fear of being racially profiled. She further noted that if the man is deported before facing trial, he could escape punishment for the state drug charges.

“Using local government courthouses for federal civil immigration enforcement interferes with the administration of justice, prevents witnesses from testifying and robs victims of their opportunity to seek justice,” Moriarty said in a statement. She has previously voiced opposition to similar courthouse arrests by ICE officers.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the governor’s remarks regarding the operation’s conclusion.