Minneapolis, February 4, 2026 – The Trump administration is recalibrating its strategy for immigration enforcement in Minneapolis following criticism and protests sparked by recent federal agent actions. The shift comes as local leaders have vocally opposed the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within city limits, creating a tense situation on the ground.
Federal Approach Evolves Amid Local Opposition
The administration is adjusting its tactics after clashes between federal agents and protestors, particularly following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Minneapolis has become a focal point for conflict between federal immigration enforcement and those opposing it, especially after the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Mayor Jacob Frey publicly demanded that ICE “get the f— out” of his city after Good was fatally shot.
President Donald Trump responded to the unrest by assigning border czar Tom Homan to oversee the situation. A White House official dismissed reports of friction between Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Homan, asserting they are collaborating to implement the president’s agenda.
White House border czar Tom Homan attends a press conference in Minneapolis, Minn., Jan. 29, 2026. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)
Homan announced an immediate drawdown of 700 personnel from Minnesota, effective Wednesday, while 2,000 officers will remain. He attributed the change to increased cooperation from local jails and stated a complete withdrawal is the goal, contingent on the cessation of “illegal and threatening activities against ICE.”
Changes to Enforcement Tactics
Homan has reportedly altered how Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) operates, shifting from proactive patrols to targeted operations. Sources indicate that the threshold for making arrests has been raised. CBP agents are now instructed to only approach individuals suspected of being in the country illegally if they are specifically identified as targets.
Instead of “rover patrols,” CBP agents will now work alongside ICE officers to execute targeted arrests. Sources also report that Homan warned agents of consequences for deviating from these new guidelines.
A White House official confirmed that while targeted arrests will continue, officers will also “enforce federal immigration law” if they encounter additional individuals in violation of immigration statutes during operations.
A federal agent prepares to depart the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on Feb. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. (John Moore/Getty Images)
Authorities have identified thousands of potential targets in Minnesota using public records cross-referenced with a DHS database containing criminal, immigration, and court appearance information. Fingerprints collected from individuals encountered by CBP under the Biden administration are also being utilized, allowing DHS to receive alerts when those individuals are arrested by local police.
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
