Tom Homan, the 'Border Czar' responsible for immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, announced the termination of a large-scale immigration crackdown operation at a press conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the 12th (local time). The Trump administration announced on the 12th (local time) that it would end an intensive immigration crackdown operation in Minnesota, where two civilians were killed by immigration enforcement officers' gunfire.

'Border Czar' Tom Homan, the chief official in charge of immigration enforcement for the Trump administration, held a press conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the same day and stated, "Thanks to our efforts, Minnesota is no longer considered a 'sanctuary state' for criminals." He added, "I recommended the termination of this operation to President Trump, and he agreed," as reported by the Associated Press and other outlets.

Homan explained, "A significant reduction in (federal agent) personnel is already underway this week and will continue into next week."

The Trump administration launched 'Operation Metro Surge' in December of last year, deploying approximately 3,000 federal enforcement officers to Minnesota and intensifying crackdowns on undocumented immigrants.

During this operation, two U.S. citizens, Rene Gude and Alex Fretty, were killed by immigration enforcement officers' gunfire last month, leading to a surge in public criticism. In response, President Trump dispatched Homan to Minnesota on the 26th of last month in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

The civilian deaths triggered protests against immigration policies not only in Minnesota but nationwide.

According to federal authorities, over 4,000 individuals were arrested during this large-scale immigration crackdown operation, which was primarily conducted in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

The Trump administration stated that those arrested were "undocumented immigrants with dangerous criminal records," but the Associated Press reported that many individuals without criminal histories, as well as children and U.S. citizens, were also arrested.

At the press conference, Homan announced that federal authorities have developed measures to expand access to undocumented immigrants incarcerated in Minnesota state prisons and that productive discussions have taken place with state authorities.

The New York Times (NYT) reported that the practical effect of the 'operation termination' declaration remains somewhat unclear.

The NYT also reported that although Homan announced the withdrawal of approximately 700 agents from Minnesota on the 4th, many local residents and officials still perceive federal agents to be deployed throughout the area and feel as though the large-scale operation is ongoing.