Tag: Trump

The Trump administration has announced the end of a highly controversial immigration crackdown in Minnesota, following weeks of raids that sparked mass protests and nationwide outrage. Speaking Thursday outside Minneapolis, Tom Homan, Trump’s immigration pointman, said the operation would be wound down after consultations with President Donald Trump. “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 through the next week,” Homan said. The operation saw thousands of federal personnel, including ICE officers, conducting large-scale arrests the administration said targeted criminals. However, the raids prompted widespread demonstrations across Minneapolis and drew criticism following the recent killings of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Homan suggested the officers could be reassigned elsewhere but did not provide specifics, amid speculation about possible future operations in other cities. “In the next week, we’re going to deploy the officers here on detail, back to their home stations or other areas of the country where they are needed. But we’re going to continue to enforce immigration law,” he said. Trump’s tough stance on illegal immigration was central to his 2024 campaign, but the Minnesota operation appeared to have political costs. Viral videos showing masked federal agents using force, along with reports of arrests based on questionable evidence, contributed to a decline in the president’s approval ratings. Public outrage intensified after the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos on January 20, a case that became a symbol for protesters. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey welcomed the decision, calling the operation devastating for the city. “The ICE operation had been catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses, and now it’s time for a great comeback,” Frey said. “We will show the same commitment to our immigrant residents.”