# I Learned We Could Use a Softer Touch, Says Trump as Federal Force Is Reduced in Minnesota
In a significant de-escalation amid weeks of tension, the Trump administration announced the immediate withdrawal of 700 federal immigration officers from Minnesota, leaving about 2,000 on the ground as local cooperation increases.[1][2] President Trump, commenting on the move, told NBC News that one key lesson from the operation’s turmoil is that his team “maybe can use a little bit of a softer touch,” while stressing the need to remain “tough.”[1][2]
## Operation Metro Surge: From Surge to Strategic Drawdown
Launched in early January 2026, **Operation Metro Surge** marked the Department of Homeland Security’s “largest immigration enforcement operation ever,” deploying thousands of officers to target undocumented immigrants, especially those with criminal records.[1] The effort ramped up following the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, incidents that fueled deadly confrontations and widespread protests against masked, heavily armed federal agents.[1]
Border czar Tom Homan, tapped by Trump in late January to oversee the operation, credited the partial pullback to “unprecedented collaboration” from state and local officials.[1][2] Specifically, more counties now notify ICE about inmates eligible for deportation, allowing transfers directly from jails rather than street arrests—a shift that reduces the need for on-the-ground officers and enhances safety.[1][2] White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that this meets one of Trump’s conditions for drawdown, with compliance to be monitored.[1][2]
The White House hailed the operation’s success, reporting over **4,000 criminal illegal aliens**—including murderers, rapists, gang members, and terrorists—arrested since its start.[3] Homan described it as “very effective as far as public safety goes,” though not perfect, and insisted it’s no retreat from Trump’s mass deportation mandate.[1][3] About 700 officers, mostly providing security in Minneapolis, are heading home, but Vice President JD Vance clarified: “We’re not drawing down the immigration enforcement.”[1]
Trump personally intervened, calling Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey—both Democrats—for “great conversations.”[2] Yet, he expressed frustration seeing their public criticism persist, underscoring the political tightrope of balancing enforcement with optics.[2]
## A Softer Touch Amid Backlash and Resistance
Trump’s remark about a **softer touch** reflects a tactical pivot. Homan, with over 30 years in immigration enforcement across administrations (including as an Obama appointee), has criticized flashy tactics by sidelined Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, favoring targeted jail pickups over aggressive street operations.[2] The administration rolled out full body cams in Minneapolis, planning nationwide deployment to boost transparency.[3]
Protests have been fierce, with residents decrying federal tactics as overly militarized. Homan warned that interference only “irrat[s] your community” and delays full withdrawal, which hinges on ending such disruptions.[1][3] A full pullout awaits sustained cooperation and protester stand-downs.[1]
Democrats remain skeptical. Walz called the reduction a “good first step” but demanded a “faster and larger drawdown,” state-led probes into the Good and Pretti killings, and an end to what he termed a “campaign of retribution.”[1] Frey echoed calls to shut down the entire operation.[1] Even some Republicans, like Minneapolis GOP emeritus chair Shawn Holster, predict ongoing clashes in Democrat strongholds like Hennepin County until every agent leaves.[2]
## Local Cooperation: Breakthrough or Fragile Truce?
Minnesota has long navigated sanctuary-like policies, with state prisons and most county sheriffs cooperating with ICE.[1] However, key jails in Minneapolis (Hennepin County) and St. Paul (Ramsey County) previously fell short of full compliance, handing over inmates only with judicial warrants.[1] Homan’s push yielded new agreements for pre-release transfers, credited for safer operations and the officer reduction.[1][2][3]
The White House framed this as reversing “Radical Left’s open border policies,” delivering “public safety results the American people demanded.”[3] Yet challenges persist: a DHS official anonymously noted that even targeted arrests in this “battle zone” risk physical confrontations without robust security.[2]
## Broader Fallout: Schools, Lawsuits, and National Implications
The operation’s ripple effects extend to education. Two school districts and a teachers’ union sued Wednesday to bar enforcement near schools, citing disruptions, attendance drops, and a perceived policy shift ending “sensitive location” protections.[1] DHS countered: “ICE is not going to schools to arrest children—we are protecting children.”[1]
Homan reiterated no exemptions for non-threats: “If you’re in the country illegally, you are NOT off the table.”[3] Protests won’t halt ICE or Border Patrol, he said.[1]
## Looking Ahead: Enforcement with Restraint?
This drawdown signals adaptability in Trump’s immigration push, blending firmness with responsiveness to local dynamics. Over 4,000 removals underscore results, but fatalities, lawsuits, and partisan rifts highlight costs.[1][3] As 2,000 officers remain, the “softer touch” could test whether collaboration endures or tensions reignite.
Trump’s evolution—from surge to scaled-back force—may preview nationwide strategies, prioritizing efficiency over spectacle while pursuing mass deportations.[2][3] Minnesota remains a litmus test: success hinges on sustained partnerships amid polarized reactions.
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Original source: BBC News – I learned we could use a softer touch, says Trump as federal force is reduced in Minnesota
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