President Donald Trump’s lead immigration official on Thursday announced the end of aggressive immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, following weeks of protests and nationwide criticism after the killing of two US citizens.

Thousands of federal agents, including officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, had conducted sweeping raids and arrests in recent weeks in what the administration described as targeted missions against criminals.

“I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Trump official Tom Homan told reporters outside Minneapolis. “A significant drawdown has already been underway this week and will continue through the next week.”

The operations triggered tense demonstrations in the Minneapolis area. The fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, less than three weeks apart last month, intensified public backlash against the crackdown.

Homan indicated that some officers could be redeployed to other parts of the country, but did not specify where.

“In the next week, we’re going to deploy the officers here on detail back to their home stations or other areas of the country where they are needed. But we’re going to continue to enforce immigration law,” he said.

Trump campaigned heavily on curbing illegal immigration during the 2024 election. However, daily videos from Minnesota showing masked agents conducting raids, along with reports of individuals allegedly targeted on weak evidence, reportedly contributed to a decline in his approval ratings.

The detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos on January 20 also fueled public anger.

Following the killings of Good and Pretti, the president replaced Customs and Border Protection commander Gregory Bovino with Homan, who moved to engage local Democratic leaders.

Minneapolis is a Democratic-run “sanctuary” city where local law enforcement does not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Democrats have called for reforms to ICE, including ending mobile patrols, banning agents from concealing their identities, and requiring warrants for enforcement actions.

If negotiations over ICE funding stall in Washington, the Department of Homeland Security could face a funding shortfall beginning Saturday. While ICE and Customs and Border Protection could continue operations using funds previously approved by Congress, other agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, may be affected.

Homan said some officers would remain in Minnesota but did not provide figures.

“The Twin Cities, Minnesota in general, are and will continue to be much safer for the communities here because of what we have accomplished under President Trump’s leadership,” he said.

He added that more than 200 people had been arrested for allegedly interfering with federal officers during the operation, but did not disclose the number of immigration-related arrests or deportations carried out.