Top Minnesota officials say some federal agents will leave Minneapolis starting Tuesday, while the White House dispatches anew officialto take over immigration enforcement operations in the state as the face of the administration's militarized enforcement operationdeparts.
Minnesotans are hopeful that after the fatal shootings by federal agents of Minneapolis residentsRenee Nicole Macklin GoodandAlex Pretti, the Trump administration's immigration policy in the state may begin to ease.
"I spoke withPresident Trumptoday and appreciated the conversation," said MinneapolisMayor Jacob Freyin astatementon Jan. 26. "I expressed how much Minneapolis has benefited from our immigrant communities and was clear that my main ask is that Operation Metro Surge needs to end. The president agreed the present situation can't continue."
The major shift in tone comes amid the fallout over Pretti's fatal shooting. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Homeland Security officials labeled the 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse a "domestic terrorist." Border Patrol chiefGregory Bovinosaid his agents were "victims." Department of Homeland SecuritySecretary Kristi Noemsaid the gun Pretti was carrying signaled he intended to "kill law enforcement."
But in multiplebystander videosand inwitness statements, Pretti does not appear to use the gun police said he had a license to carry. Instead, the Midwest-raised man appears intervene after a masked agent shoves a woman.
The disconnect between the two sides has sparked days of protest around the country through frigid temperatures. MinnesotaGov. Tim Walzcalled in the National Guard. Meanwhile, Trump'sAttorney General Pam Bondidemanded the state turn over voter registration records to restore "law and order" in Minnesota.
Trump administration officials said they targeted the Democratic-led state for immigration enforcement in response to fraud in welfare programs officials tied to Somali immigrants.
Follow along for updates as the situation on the ground appears poised for change.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander at Large Gregory Bovino speaks during a news conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The news conference comes after 37-year-old legal observer Alex Pretti was fatally shot during a confrontation with federal agents. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
US Border Patrol Chief Gregory under fire after Minneapolis deaths
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander at LargeGregory Bovinospeaks during a news conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The news conference comes after 37-year-old legal observer Alex Pretti was fatally shot during a confrontation with federal agents. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region.
Trump taps new leader for immigration operations in Minnesota
The White House first publicly took steps to changing its approach in Minnesota by naming a new official to lead operations, border czarTom Homan.
"He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there," Trump said of Homan in a Jan. 26statementannouncing the shake-up. "Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me."
Homan is expected to replace Border Patrol's Bovino, who has drawn controversy for his handling of the Pretti shooting.
TheAssociated Press,New York TimesandWall Street Journalreported on Jan. 26, citing anonymous sources, that Bovino is set to leave the Twin Cities.The Atlantic MagazinereportedMonday evening that Bovino is set to return to his post at the El Centro Border Station in California.
DHS officials have strongly denied Bovino is out, saying in a statement to USA TODAY: "Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties."
Poll shows Trump's immigration approval drops to new low
American approval of the president's immigration policy dropped to its lowest level since his return to the White House, a newReuters/Ipsos pollfound, amid growing backlash after federal immigration agentsfatally shot two people in Minneapolisthis month.
The poll, conducted nationwide Jan. 23 through Jan. 25, gathered responses before and after immigration officers on killed asecond U.S. citizen in Minneapolisover the weekend. Fifty-three percent of Americans polled disapprove of the president'simmigration policy, while 39% approve of the job Trump is doing on immigration, down from 41% in the prior Reuters/Ipsos poll this month.
Poll results show a steep drop in approval from where Trump began after his inauguration. Immigration was a brighter spot then; in February 2025, 50% approved and 41% disapproved.
Read more about the poll findingshere.
- Terry Collins
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Will Trump pull ICE out of Minnesota? Follow live updates.
