US President Donald Trump highlighted what he described as productive conversations with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Monday, signaling a notable softening of his administration's tone regarding the ongoing immigration enforcement crackdown in the state. This development comes as federal authorities prepare to adjust their operational presence following mounting public outrage and legal challenges.
Federal Agents Begin Withdrawal from Minnesota
According to reports from the Associated Press, Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino and a contingent of federal agents are scheduled to commence their departure from Minnesota starting Tuesday. This move represents a significant public shift in the federal law enforcement posture, particularly in the wake of intense criticism surrounding recent fatal incidents involving immigration officers.
Mayor Frey's Direct Engagement with President Trump
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey confirmed that he spoke directly with President Trump via telephone, during which the president praised the discussion and declared that substantial progress was being made in addressing the situation. Frey revealed that he explicitly requested Trump to terminate the immigration enforcement surge, and the president acknowledged that the current circumstances could not persist indefinitely.
The mayor further stated that while some federal agents would be departing imminently, he remains committed to advocating for the withdrawal of all personnel involved in Operation Metro Surge. This operation has been at the center of controversy, drawing fierce condemnation from local officials, civil rights organizations, and congressional Democrats across multiple cities.
Controversy Surrounding Commander Bovino's Leadership
Commander Greg Bovino's oversight of highly visible federal crackdowns in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minneapolis has attracted significant scrutiny. Criticism intensified dramatically in recent days following Bovino's public defense of the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents. This incident marked the second fatal shooting by federal immigration officers within a single month, sparking widespread demonstrations and legal actions.
Bovino's disputed claims about the confrontation that led to Pretti's death have further fueled public outrage and amplified calls for accountability and transparency in federal immigration enforcement practices.
Appointment of 'Border Czar' Tom Homan
In a strategic administrative move, President Trump has dispatched former Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Tom Homan, often referred to as the 'border czar,' to assume charge of much of the enforcement effort in Minnesota. Homan will oversee ICE operations in the state, with Mayor Frey indicating plans to meet with him on Tuesday to discuss ongoing concerns and coordination.
Trump publicly announced on social media that Homan would report directly to him, emphasizing the high-level attention being given to the Minnesota situation. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Homan would serve as the primary point of contact on the ground in Minneapolis during continued federal immigration operations.
Improved Dialogue Between Trump and Governor Walz
President Trump and Democratic Governor Tim Walz engaged in a telephone conversation that both described as productive, marking a distinct departure from the critical exchanges that had characterized their previous communications. This diplomatic breakthrough occurred on the same day that a federal judge heard arguments in a lawsuit seeking to halt the federal immigration enforcement surge throughout Minnesota.
In a social media post, Trump noted that they seemed to be on a similar wavelength regarding the situation. Governor Walz issued a statement describing the call as constructive and emphasizing the necessity for impartial investigations into the recent shootings involving federal agents.
Cooperation on Criminal Custody Matters
During their discussions, President Trump indicated that his administration was actively seeking 'any and all' criminals that the state might have in its custody. Governor Walz responded by affirming that the Minnesota Department of Corrections consistently honors federal requests concerning individuals under state custody, suggesting potential avenues for cooperative law enforcement efforts moving forward.
This evolving situation continues to develop as federal authorities recalibrate their approach amid legal scrutiny, public pressure, and changing political dynamics surrounding immigration enforcement in Minnesota and beyond.
