Tom Homan, Director of Homeland Security Investigations, speaks at a press conference in Minneapolis on the 12th. [Yonhap News]

Tom Homan, the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Donald Trump administration, announced on the 12th that ICE would be ending "Operation Metro Surge" in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Homan stated at a press conference in Minneapolis, "Thanks to our efforts, Minnesota is no longer considered a 'sanctuary state' for criminals. I recommended the termination of this operation to President Trump, and he agreed."

Senior officials from ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Border Patrol were present at the press conference.

Homan described the intensive enforcement operation as having "successful results," making the Twin Cities area "much safer" through the apprehension of foreign nationals with violent criminal records and enhanced cooperation with state and local law enforcement agencies.

Homan emphasized that public safety was the focus of this operation and attributed the success to President Trump's leadership.

"As a result of this enforcement operation, the number of targets has significantly decreased, and many criminal aliens, including murderers, sex offenders, national security threats, gang members, and other violent criminals, have been removed from the streets," he said.

According to federal authorities, over 4,000 individuals were arrested during this large-scale immigration enforcement operation centered in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota.

He noted that one recently arrested undocumented immigrant had been convicted of rape and indecent acts involving a child under the age of 14, and other sex offenders had also been convicted.

Regarding widespread rumors that ICE was raiding sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools, Homan confirmed, "No one was arrested inside a hospital as a result of ICE operations."

He added that "no one was arrested inside an elementary school, and no one was arrested inside a church," calling such claims "baseless."

However, Homan stated that such locations would "not be excluded from consideration" if there were significant public safety or national security threats involved.

According to Homan, the key to this surge in success was enhanced cooperation with local Democratic officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, as well as police chiefs and sheriffs across the state.

He explained that Minnesota state authorities had agreed to notify ICE of inmate release dates from county jails, allowing federal agents to take custody of criminal aliens at the time of their release.

"It's safer for the alien, safer for the officer, safer for the community, to arrest individuals who are a threat to public safety in a safe and secure environment of a jail," Homan said. "That's what makes sense."

He also announced a crackdown on violent agitators interfering with federal operations, stating that over 200 individuals had been arrested for assaulting federal officers or obstructing official duties, and that the U.S. Attorney's Office would prosecute many of these cases.

He credited state and local officials for increased enforcement in recent days, which has led to a decrease in illegal street activity.

Homan mentioned that the deployment of ICE's Quick Response Force, which is activated when ICE agents are in danger during operations, had "drastically decreased."

He stated that he recommended the termination of the surge operation based on the improved security situation and enhanced law enforcement performance, and that President Trump had agreed.

"We have a significant draw-down of resources that is happening this week and will continue through next week," Homan said.

He emphasized that the reduction in personnel does not mean ICE is easing its immigration enforcement, stating, "Anyone who says we are backing down is completely wrong. President Trump has promised mass deportations, and this country will deliver on that promise."

ICE will maintain a temporarily reduced presence in Minnesota to complete investigations into agitators and fraud cases, while reassigning surge personnel to headquarters jurisdictions or other high-demand areas nationwide.

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Correspondent of the U.S. NNP / Special Contribution to this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com