Trump ends Operation Metro Surge after Minneapolis killings, $203M damage

Operation Metro Surge began in November 2025 as a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The operation deployed hundreds of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to the area. It was one of several operations the Trump administration launched to increase deportations.

The operation arrested over 4,000 undocumented immigrants between November 2025 and February 2026. Agents conducted sweeps at workplaces, homes, and public spaces. Civil rights groups documented cases of agents entering homes without warrants and detaining people who later proved to be US citizens.

On Jan. 24, 2026, federal agents shot and killed APAlex Pretti, 37, during an immigration enforcement operation. Pretti was a US citizen. On Jan. 28, agents shot and killed RGRenee Good in a separate operation. Good was also a US citizen. The FBI is investigating both killings.

Border czar Tom Homan announced on Feb. 11, 2026 that Operation Metro Surge would end. He said the drawdown would begin immediately and continue into the following week. The announcement came two weeks after the second citizen death.

Public reaction to the citizen deaths was overwhelmingly negative. A poll showed Trump immigration approval dropped to 39% overall. This was a significant decline from earlier approval ratings. Minneapolis Mayor JFJacob Frey called for a federal investigation into agent conduct.

Senate Democrats are using the killings to demand ICE reforms. They are blocking Department of Homeland Security funding until ICE implements body cameras, stricter warrant requirements, updated use-of-force policies, and a ban on masked agents during operations.

The operation was part of a broader Trump administration strategy to dramatically increase deportations. The administration has conducted similar operations in other cities. However, the Minneapolis citizen deaths created unique political liability that led to this operation ending.