Minneapolis surge ending, border czar Tom Homan says

The surge yielded the "successful results we came here for," Homan said.

Last Updated: February 12, 2026, 4:06 PM EST

Alex Pretti, 37, was shot and killed on Jan. 24 in Minneapolis -- the second shooting of a U.S. citizen last month by federal agents in the city. His death was ruled a homicide by the county medical examiner.

The shooting of Pretti, an ICU nurse, ratcheted up tensions, as protesters clashed in the streets with law enforcement in the aftermath of the shooting.

The incident followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, on Jan. 7.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Feb 12, 2026, 4:08 PM EST

'The nation will be watching,' Renee Good family attorney

The attorney representing Renee Good's family released a statement Thursday that they "are cautiously optimistic about the drawdown of federal agents from Minnesota."

"The nation will be watching to see if and where these agents are redeployed. The agents' departure from Minnesota does not dismiss the absolute need for accountability for their actions during Operation Metro Surge, and we are committed to seeking justice for our clients," Antonio Romanucci said in a statement.

-ABC News' Henderson Hewes

Feb 12, 2026, 1:38 PM EST

Walz 'cautiously optimistic' that operation would end

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed the announcement that Operation Metro Surge would end and said he was "cautiously optimistic" that the order would go through.

Walz noted that Operation Metro Surge's impact on Minnesota would be lasting even after federal agents leave.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a news conference in Blaine, Minn., Jan. 25, 2026.
Abbie Parr/AP

"The fact of the matter is they left us with deep damage," Walz said. "Generational trauma, they left us with economic ruin in some cases, they left us with many unanswered questions. Where are our children? Where and what is the process of the investigations into those who were responsible for the deaths of Renee and Alex?"

"While the federal government may move on to whatever next thing they want to do, the state of Minnesota and our administration is unwaveringly focused on the recovery of what they did," he added.

-ABC News' Matt Foster

Feb 12, 2026, 1:30 PM EST

Ilhan Omar calls for accountability following end of surge

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., released a statement Thursday saying the federal government's announcement that it was ending its immigration policy surge in Minnesota "is not enough."

"There must be justice and accountability. This administration must fully cooperate with independent investigations into the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti," she said.

The Democratic congresswoman, who has been slammed by the president and his allies over her criticism of ICE, urged Congress to demand answers from the federal government.

US Border Patrol agents detain a person near Roosevelt High School during dismissal time in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 7, 2026.
Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

"They must explain who authorized these actions, what legal justifications were used, and why constitutional protections were ignored. Our businesses deserve economic restitution for the harm done," she said.

-ABC News' John Parkinson

Feb 12, 2026, 9:41 AM EST

Minneapolis immigration surge ending, Homan says

The federal government's immigration surge in Minneapolis is ending, border czar Tom Homan said at a press conference Thursday.

The surge yielded the "successful results we came here for," Homan told reporters.

Homan also claimed the twin cities and Minnesota in general "are and will continue to be much safer for the communities here because of what we have accomplished."

White House border czar Tom Homan holds a news conference at the Bishop Whipple Federal building, Feb. 12, 2026 in Minneapolis.
Scott McFetridge/AP

Homan said he was sent to Minneapolis to "identify issues and implement solutions" to make their "mission" more successful. 

"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 to the next week," Homan said later on at the press conference.

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola