Minnesota Governor Walz said Tuesday that he believes the Trump administration’s federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota will begin to wind down “days, not weeks and months” after talking to top officials at the White House.
Walz said that he spoke with Border Czar Tom Homan Monday and Tuesday morning with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Walz said that he believes the administration will “provide more information in the next day or so,” according to The Associated Press.
Walz said that he is taking a “trust but verify” approach. “It is an occupation. It is a retribution campaign. But I want to make one thing clear: I have no reason to believe that Tom Homan did not tell the truth that 700 federal immigration officers would begin leaving the state immediately. But that still leaves thousands of federal officers roaming the streets of Minnesota.” Walz said Tuesday.
Homan said that about 700 federal immigration officers would begin leaving the state immediately due to “unprecedented cooperation.” Homan said that about 2,000 immigration officers would remain after the initial reduction.
The enforcement surge, which is sometimes referred to by the government as “Operation Metro Surge,” was increased after the fatal shootings of Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti in January.
According to a CBP official who testified before Congress regarding the Pretti case, two federal agents discharged their firearms during the encounter. The determination was based on the analysis of body-worn camera video and documentation from the agencies involved, according to a story from KSTP/AP.
Arrests continue to be made, including on charges of interfering with or assaulting federal officers. According to a Feb. 4 briefing by Homan, 158 individuals have been arrested on such charges, with many of the cases still pending in court, according to KSTP.
Walz’s news conference on Tuesday was held at The Market at Malcolm Yards to point out what the governor said is the significant economic impact on restaurants and small businesses because of the reduced number of workers and consumers who are willing to venture out due to the increased federal presence.
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