During an operation against illegal immigration, which caused discontent among the population, a tragedy occurred in Minneapolis in January: federal agents killed two U.S. citizens. This event led the Trump administration to remove Greg Bovino from command of the operation and replace him with Tom Homan.
As Homan noted, the withdrawal of 700 agents will happen immediately; however, about 2,000 federal employees will remain in Minnesota to continue their work as part of the operation.
These actions concern both the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Homan also stated that ultimately, there are plans to return all deployed personnel home, but the operation against illegal immigration will continue.
The head of the border service placed part of the blame for the tragedies on those who protest against the Trump administration's policies regarding illegal immigrants. He stated that he had warned of possible consequences if opponents did not stop inciting hatred.
Homan emphasized that neither he, nor President Trump, nor Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wished for bloodshed.
In response to the events, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, representing the Democratic Party, called for the complete withdrawal of federal forces from the state. He also expressed the need to refrain from interfering with the actions of federal agents.
Additionally, Secretary Kristi Noem announced plans to provide all federal employees in Minnesota with body cameras to enhance the transparency of operations.
