Federal Drawdown Announced in Minnesota Amid Local Law Enforcement Cooperation
Border czar Tom Homan confirms withdrawal of 700 federal agents from Twin Cities
Federal Drawdown in Minnesota
White House border czar Tom Homan announced on February 4, 2026, a significant reduction of federal agents deployed in Minnesota. He stated that 700 federal officers would be leaving the Twin Cities immediately, citing "unprecedented cooperation" from local law enforcement agencies as the key factor enabling this drawdown.
Cooperation With Local Authorities
Homan highlighted recent meetings with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. He emphasized the importance of coordination between local jails and federal law enforcement to notify when illegal immigrants held in custody are scheduled for release.
"We currently have an unprecedented number of counties communicating with us now and allowing ICE to take custody of illegal aliens before they hit the streets," Homan said. "This is efficient and requires only one or two officers to assume custody of a criminal alien target, rather than eight or 10 officers going into the community."
He added that this method improves safety for officers, communities, and migrants and clarified that jails are not being asked to detain individuals beyond their normal release times.
Responses from Local Officials
Governor Walz welcomed the announcement as a positive development but called for a faster and broader withdrawal of federal forces. He also urged state-led investigations into recent killings of protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the drawdown as a "step in the right direction" but said it fell short of a full de-escalation of federal involvement.
Background and Context
The federal drawdown follows President Donald Trump's deployment of Homan to Minnesota last week after federal agents fatally shot anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti. This incident marked the second protester death linked to federal agents in the region within a month.
Federal agents have faced organized resistance in Minneapolis and St. Paul, with groups reportedly obstructing law enforcement operations. Following Homan's arrival, Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino departed Minnesota.
Calls for Investigation and Political Reactions
Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill have called for investigations into the funding behind the organized opposition to federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Summary
- Tom Homan announced the immediate withdrawal of 700 federal agents from Minnesota.
- The drawdown was enabled by enhanced cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies.
- Local officials expressed cautious support but called for further actions and investigations.
- The move comes after recent tensions and violent incidents involving federal agents and protesters.
Reporter: Anders Hagstrom, Fox News Digital
Contact: Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com | X: @Hagstrom_Anders