In a sharp rebuke of federal immigration enforcement efforts, Angie Craig criticized claims that a recent immigration surge made Minnesota safer, calling the assertion “wildly untrue.” Her remarks follow confirmation that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin withdrawing personnel from the state.
The federal initiative, known as Operation Metro Surge, was deployed to Minneapolis amid heightened tensions following two fatal encounters involving immigration authorities. The Department of Homeland Security announced this week that the surge would be scaled back, citing improved coordination with local law enforcement and a decline in unrest.
But Minnesota Democrats argue the damage has already been done.
“Minnesotans Will Never Forget”
Craig, a Democrat representing Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, took to social platform X to condemn the federal presence.
“I’m glad to hear that the Admin plans to withdraw ICE and CBP from Minnesota — however their claims that Operation Metro Surge made Minnesota safer are wildly untrue.”
She further alleged that federal agents “killed two Minnesotans, traumatized children and detained countless immigrants and U.S. citizens alike.”
The controversy centers on the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both U.S. citizens who were killed in separate encounters with federal immigration officers in Minneapolis last month. The incidents sparked protests, renewed debate over immigration enforcement policies, and intensified scrutiny of federal operations in sanctuary-style jurisdictions.
Craig emphasized that although ICE may be leaving Minnesota, “the terror inflicted on our communities” will not be easily forgotten.
Lieutenant Governor Echoes Concerns
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan also voiced strong opposition to the federal operation.
She described the deployment as a “violent paramilitary force” and said she would not believe the withdrawal until agents are fully gone. Flanagan referenced the trauma experienced by families, schools, and small businesses during the federal presence.
“Our schools, our small businesses, and our churches have been targeted, closed and harmed,” she stated, calling for accountability and justice.
The emotional impact of the operation, according to state officials, extended beyond immigration enforcement to broader community trust in federal institutions.
Federal Officials Defend Operation Metro Surge
The White House border czar, Tom Homan, confirmed that ICE and Border Patrol personnel would withdraw over the coming weeks. However, he strongly defended the operation’s legitimacy and purpose.
“A small footprint of personnel will remain… to ensure agitator activity continues to decline and that state and local law enforcement continue to respond to ensure officer and community safety,” Homan said.
He rejected allegations that federal agents engaged in civil rights abuses, stating:
“We’re not out scouring the streets to disappear people or deny people their civil rights or due process.”
Homan also noted that some officers would be reassigned to other regions to support broader immigration enforcement priorities, including border security and mass deportation initiatives under the Trump administration.
National Debate Over Immigration Enforcement Intensifies
The Minnesota immigration enforcement controversy reflects a larger national debate over federal immigration policy, public safety, and state-federal authority.
Supporters of enhanced immigration enforcement argue that coordinated federal operations are essential to maintaining border security and removing individuals with criminal records. Critics contend that aggressive immigration crackdowns create fear, destabilize communities, and undermine trust between immigrant populations and law enforcement.
Search interest in terms such as:
“Minnesota ICE operation news”
“Operation Metro Surge Minneapolis”
“federal immigration enforcement controversy 2026”
“Minnesota Democrats immigration response”
“ICE withdrawal from Minneapolis”
has surged in recent days, highlighting growing public attention to the issue.
Political analysts note that immigration remains one of the most polarizing issues ahead of the 2026 election cycle, particularly in swing states like Minnesota where suburban districts have shifted politically in recent years.
What Happens Next for Minnesota?
As ICE and CBP scale back their presence, state leaders say the focus will turn toward community healing, oversight, and potential investigations into the shootings.
Craig and Flanagan have both indicated that accountability efforts will continue, potentially including congressional inquiries or independent reviews.
At the federal level, immigration enforcement policy is unlikely to soften, with border security and deportation efforts remaining central components of the administration’s agenda.
For Minnesotans, however, the debate has become deeply personal — intertwined with questions of public safety, civil liberties, and trust in government institutions.
The Bottom Line
The withdrawal of federal immigration personnel from Minnesota marks a pivotal moment in an escalating political and legal conflict. While federal officials maintain the operation improved safety and stabilized unrest, Minnesota Democrats strongly dispute that claim.
As the state moves forward, the controversy surrounding Operation Metro Surge may shape both local politics and the national immigration conversation in the months ahead.