BACKUS, MN - President Trump and Border Czar Tom Hollman have announced that they plan to end “Operation Metro Surge," the federal operation that flooded Minnesota, especially the Twin Cities, with thousands of federal immigration and customs enforcement officers since early December. For months, this large-scale federal enforcement operation has deeply impacted individuals, families, and communities across Minnesota, creating fear, instability, and significant harm. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents have led to significant backlash against the operation. Support for ending this occupation has garnered international attention, with people across the country and the globe sending love letters to Minnesota.
At the NASW Minnesota Chapter (NASWMN), we are joining our state officials in adopting, as Gov. Tim Walz said, a “trust but verify mode," with the understanding that this announcement has not yet led to noticeable reduction in the violence on the ground in our communities. Gov. Walz said he expects forces to begin withdrawing in “days, not weeks and months”, however, federal officials have not announced how many agents will be removed from Minnesota. Border Czar Tom Hollman confirmed that he is not removing all federal officers and that immigration enforcement will continue, stating "If you’re in this country illegally, you’re not off the table."
We will continue to monitor the situation closely to determine if this development does in fact lead to a reduction in violence from federal agents in our communities in the coming days. Currently, local organizations are still struggling to fill the basic needs of Minnesotans who are unable to leave home due to this federal occupation. Please visit our resource list if you are seeking support, or if you have the capacity to give to those in need of support: https://naswmn.socialworkers.org/News/Community-Resources
Additional NASW Resources
NASW Statement on the Shooting Death of Alex Pretti by Federal Agents
Mass Deportation Policy, Misinformation, and the Tragic Shooting of Renee Nicole Good
Facebook Live - Supporting Immigrant Communities: A Conversation for Social Workers
Navigating ICE Presence in School and Healthcare Facilities
Trump’s use of National Guard to quell Los Angeles immigration protests is unlawful
Trump administration’s immigration executive orders will harm families, children