Trump withdraws 700 ICE agents from Minnesota after fatal Minneapolis shootings spark backlash

On February 4, 2026, Border Czar Tom Homan announced 700 federal immigration officers would withdraw from Minnesota. The Trump administration deployed approximately 2,700 agents to the state during Operation Metro Surge in late 2025. After the drawdown, around 2,000 federal agents remain—a 25% reduction.

Two U.S. citizens were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026. Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman, was shot three times by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7 while in her car. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old VA intensive care nurse, was shot by CBP agents on January 24 while filming law enforcement and directing traffic at a protest.

The Minneapolis shootings sparked sustained protests across Minnesota

Demonstrators set up roadblocks to impede ICE vehicles

At least six federal agents surrounded Pretti when he was shot and killed Good was killed as her vehicle turned away from Agent Ross after she briefly reversed her car.

National polling showed widespread disapproval of ICE tactics. An Ipsos poll found 62% of respondents believed ICE actions went too far. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed only 39% approved of Trump's handling of immigration, while 53% disapproved.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated the 700-agent withdrawal was insufficient: "The drawdown and body-worn cameras are a step in the right direction, but 2,000 ICE officers still here is not de-escalation." Local officials remained concerned about the thousands of agents still operating in Minnesota.

On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration rescinded Biden-era policy protecting "sensitive locations" from immigration enforcement. Schools, hospitals, churches, and courthouses no longer have special protections from ICE raids. Agents now operate with expanded authority in previously protected areas.

Border Czar Tom Homan clarified the withdrawal doesn't change enforcement policy. He stated: "If you are in the country illegally, you are not off the table." He confirmed mass deportations would continue daily across the country despite the Minnesota drawdown.

Homan cited "unprecedented cooperation" from Minnesota county authorities as the reason for the drawdown. He established a unified command structure with local law enforcement. The partial withdrawal depends on continued cooperation and ending what Homan called "violence, rhetoric and attacks" against ICE agents.