Operation Metro Surge Winding Down in Minnesota, White House Announces

The federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is coming to an end. White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced Thursday morning that "Operation Metro Surge" would begin to wrap up over the next two weeks.

The operation, which resulted in more than 4,000 arrests, came under intense scrutiny after two people were killed by federal agents in separate shootings. The Trump administration sent Homan to Minnesota to oversee the operation following those shootings and the protests that followed.

According to Homan, a significant drawdown has already been underway this week. However, federal personnel assigned to criminal investigations and fraud investigations will remain in place.

"For those that say we are backing down from immigration enforcement or the promise of mass deportations, you are simply wrong," Homan said during the briefing. "Look at the data — record number of arrests and deportations under President Trump's first year, and we'll continue that effort."

Homan said he would remain on the ground to oversee the drawdown and ensure the operation's success. It's unclear how long the remaining investigative personnel will stay in Minnesota or when their work is expected to conclude.