DHS announces the end of its "surge operation" in Minneapolis, but not entirely

"This isn't the first time Department of Homeland Security officials have claimed that Operation Metro Surge, its massive campaign in Minnesota, was slowing down or ending altogether. Homan teased a "drawdown" in late January, and a few days later President Donald Trump said he had ordered the withdrawal of 700 agents from the state. But an estimated 2,000 agents remained, and residents reported that raids continued."

"Even by Homan's own admission, it's still not over. "A small footprint of personnel will remain for a period of time to close out and transition full command and control back to the field office," Homan said. "I will also remain on the ground for a little longer to oversee the drawdown of this operation and include its success.""

"A robust mutual aid network emerged in response to ICE's operation in the Twin Cities. In addition to collecting groceries and crowdfunding rent for immigrant families, Minnesotans have formed ICE patrols in their neighborhoods. Two observers, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal immigration agents in January, sparking mass protests throughout the Twin Cities."

Border czar Tom Homan said he proposed and President Trump agreed to conclude the surge operation in the Twin Cities, though a reduced federal presence will remain to close out and transition command back to local field offices. Earlier announcements of a drawdown proved inconsistent, with estimates of about 2,000 agents present despite claims that 700 had been withdrawn. The surge increased federal immigration officers in Minnesota roughly twenty-fold from the typical 150. The operation followed allegations of widespread daycare fraud in Minneapolis's Somali American community and prompted robust mutual aid, neighborhood ICE patrols, and mass protests after two observers were killed.

Read at The Verge