Mayor Jacob Frey responds after federal officials say Minneapolis immigration enforcement surge will conclude in Minnesota

Federal drawdown announced as city and state leaders cite disruption and legal concerns

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued a statement welcoming the announced conclusion of a large-scale federal immigration enforcement deployment in Minnesota, describing the operation as “catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses” and praising residents for sustaining community support during the surge. “They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation,” Frey said in a written response released after federal officials said the surge would end.

The enforcement campaign, publicly described by federal officials as “Operation Metro Surge,” began on December 1, 2025, and brought a heightened federal presence to the Twin Cities and other parts of the state. On February 12, 2026, senior federal officials said the surge was concluding and that personnel levels were being reduced, while indicating broader immigration enforcement efforts would continue beyond Minnesota.

Local officials point to deaths, detentions, and economic fallout

The operation became a flashpoint after two U.S. citizens—Renée Good and Alex Pretti—were killed during encounters involving federal agents, prompting protests and renewed scrutiny of tactics, transparency, and accountability. State and local leaders also reported wide-ranging disruption tied to enforcement activity, including impacts on small businesses, schools, and daily life in immigrant communities.

Frey’s statement framed the announced end as the beginning of recovery, emphasizing reopening and continued support for immigrant residents. His office has also maintained that Minneapolis will cooperate with federal and state partners on criminal investigations while not participating in immigration enforcement beyond what is required by law.

Legal fight continues as court orders detainee access to counsel

Separate from the political dispute, the operation triggered significant legal action. Minnesota’s attorney general, joined by the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, filed a federal lawsuit in January seeking to halt the surge and arguing it was unlawful and unconstitutional. While the broader case remains ongoing, a federal judge issued an emergency restraining order requiring immigration detainees in Minnesota to receive prompt, private access to attorneys and establishing minimum time protections before out-of-state transfers.

Key verified developments in the Minnesota surge

• Operation Metro Surge began December 1, 2025, and expanded federal immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota.
• Federal officials announced on February 12, 2026, that the surge would conclude and staffing would be drawn down.
• Two U.S. citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, were killed during incidents involving federal agents.
• Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul filed a federal lawsuit in January challenging the operation’s legality.
• A federal court order required improved and timely access to legal counsel for detainees and set conditions on transfers.

“They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation.” — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

Even as the drawdown proceeds, city and state leaders have signaled that oversight efforts—through litigation, investigations, and documentation of enforcement actions—will continue, alongside plans aimed at stabilizing affected neighborhoods and local commerce.