MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz announced on Tuesday that the ongoing federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota is expected to conclude in 'days, not weeks and months,' following discussions with top officials from the Trump administration.
During a news conference, Walz discussed his recent conversation with border czar Tom Homan and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Homan was appointed to lead the Minnesota operation in January after the second fatal shooting involving federal officers, which spurred political backlash and questions regarding the operations.
'We’re very much in a trust but verify mode,' Walz stated, anticipating further updates on the federal operation within days. He criticized the crackdown as an 'occupation' and 'retribution campaign' against the state, expressing cautious hope that it is coming to a close.
While acknowledging Homan's remarks about reducing federal officers in the state, Governor Walz noted that approximately 2,300 officers remain active in Minnesota, emphasizing the need for clarity on joint investigations related to recent shootings involving federal agents.
Walz also highlighted the economic ramifications of the crackdown, stressing the food service industry's struggles in communities impacted by the enforcement surge. As the governor fostered optimism about changes at the federal level, incidents such as a recent immigration-related arrest within a county courthouse underscored the ongoing tensions with local authorities over enforcement practices. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty condemned such arrests as disruptive to the justice process and detrimental to community safety.
During a news conference, Walz discussed his recent conversation with border czar Tom Homan and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Homan was appointed to lead the Minnesota operation in January after the second fatal shooting involving federal officers, which spurred political backlash and questions regarding the operations.
'We’re very much in a trust but verify mode,' Walz stated, anticipating further updates on the federal operation within days. He criticized the crackdown as an 'occupation' and 'retribution campaign' against the state, expressing cautious hope that it is coming to a close.
While acknowledging Homan's remarks about reducing federal officers in the state, Governor Walz noted that approximately 2,300 officers remain active in Minnesota, emphasizing the need for clarity on joint investigations related to recent shootings involving federal agents.
Walz also highlighted the economic ramifications of the crackdown, stressing the food service industry's struggles in communities impacted by the enforcement surge. As the governor fostered optimism about changes at the federal level, incidents such as a recent immigration-related arrest within a county courthouse underscored the ongoing tensions with local authorities over enforcement practices. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty condemned such arrests as disruptive to the justice process and detrimental to community safety.
