Federal officials formally declare end of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota

📌 Key Facts

Federal authorities have formally declared the end of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.
The declaration was issued by federal authorities at large — not just border czar Tom Homan.
Officials framed the announcement specifically as the termination of the "immigration crackdown" in Minnesota, indicating the surge is no longer active under that banner.
The announcement included an on-the-record statement intended to be used to counter any future attempts to quietly continue Metro‑Surge‑style tactics under a different name.
These developments were reported by TwinCities on 2026-02-12.

Venezuelan immigrants in the United States have an incarceration rate of 241 per 100,000, which is lower than the rate for native-born Americans.

Immigrants in the United States commit crimes at lower rates than the U.S.-born population.

Over 4,000 criminal illegal aliens, including violent offenders, were arrested during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.

Immigrants contribute $26 billion to Minnesota's economy.

Federal immigration officers were involved in 19 shootings during the second Trump administration.

Venezuelan migration to the US is driven by political repression and economic crisis in Venezuela.

Conservative X users are disappointed with the end of Operation Metro Surge, viewing it as a premature halt to necessary immigration enforcement that could lead to increased illegal immigration in Minnesota.
Liberal perspectives on X celebrate the conclusion as a victory for immigrant rights, emphasizing how the operation disrupted communities, caused economic harm, and separated families unnecessarily.
Centrist voices on X acknowledge the need for border security but argue that the surge's massive scale was overly disruptive, and its end allows for a return to more balanced and humane enforcement strategies.
Right-leaning users praise the operation's achievements, such as the arrest of over 4,000 individuals, and see the formal end as evidence of successful deterrence against future illegal entries.
Left-leaning commentators on X express skepticism about the announcement, suggesting it might be an attempt to reframe ongoing enforcement under a different name, and call for federal immigration reform to prevent similar surges.

Based on 2 sources

Follow how coverage of this story developed over time

February 12, 2026

2:27 PM

Twincities by Mary Murphy

2:20 PM

Twincities by Associated Press

New information:

Confirms that federal authorities at large — not just border czar Tom Homan — are now publicly declaring Operation Metro Surge concluded in Minnesota.
Frames the end specifically as the termination of the "immigration crackdown" in Minnesota, reinforcing that the surge is no longer active under that banner.
Provides another on‑the‑record statement that the surge has ended, which can be used against any future attempts to quietly continue Metro‑Surge‑style tactics under a different name.