Walz Celebrates End of Trump Immigration Surge in Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posted a victory lap video after the Trump administration ended Operation Metro Surge, the largest immigration enforcement operation in modern U.S. history targeting a single state.
In a 30-second video posted Saturday, Walz thanked Minnesotans for their "resilience" during what he called a difficult month of federal enforcement. "The rest of the country saw what the soul of Minnesota looks like. Spring is coming," Walz declared while dressed in jogging attire.
Operation Results Speak for Themselves
The federal operation, led by Border Czar Tom Homan, targeted criminal aliens and public safety threats across Minnesota. However, the operation faced intense criticism after federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during enforcement actions.
The shootings triggered nationwide protests and even drew criticism from some Republicans who questioned the administration's tactics. State and local officials launched legal challenges while complaining about strained court systems and constitutional concerns.
Democrats Claim Victory Over Federal Enforcement
Walz and other Minnesota Democrats framed the operation's end as a victory for their resistance efforts. "We're still standing, and we'll continue do the best we can," Walz said in his video message.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called local residents "patriots" for resisting federal immigration enforcement, while Senator Amy Klobuchar boasted that "Minnesotans stood together, stared down ICE, and never blinked."
Border Czar Defends Operation
Border Czar Tom Homan defended the operation at Thursday's press conference, emphasizing public safety priorities. "It shouldn't be a partisan issue that you arrest public safety threats in the safety and security of a jail," Homan stated.
Homan called releasing dangerous criminals back into communities "just stupid" and urged Congress to take action against sanctuary cities and states that obstruct federal immigration enforcement.
Minnesota Demands Federal Payment
Despite celebrating the operation's end, Walz demanded the federal government pay for damages incurred during enforcement actions. "You don't get to break things, and then just leave without doing something about it," Walz told reporters Thursday.
However, Walz admitted he wouldn't "hold my breath that the federal government's going to do the right thing," instead backing his state to lead recovery efforts without federal assistance.
The Trump administration maintains a reduced federal presence in Minnesota while continuing immigration enforcement operations nationwide.