MINNEAPOLIS — Governor Tim Walz announced on Tuesday that he believes the federal immigration enforcement operation currently underway in Minnesota may come to an end in days, not weeks, based on his recent talks with senior officials from the Trump administration.
During a news conference, Walz revealed that he spoke with border czar Tom Homan and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, mentioning that the situation has evolved following the second fatal shooting by federal officers in the area.
Walz stated, We’re very much in a trust but verify mode, as he awaits further communication from the administration regarding the future of what he termed an occupation and retribution campaign against Minnesota.
While the governor expressed cautious optimism, he acknowledged that developments could change rapidly. It would be my hope that Mr. Homan goes out before Friday and announces that this thing is done, he commented.
The governor emphasized the economic toll that the enforcement surge has taken on local businesses, stating that the restaurant sector has suffered due to fear among employees and customers. The posture seems to have changed at the federal level towards their activities here in Minnesota, said the governor's employment and economic development commissioner, Matt Varilek.
However, despite discussing a potential end to federal operations, there were still visible enforcement actions taking place, including a recent arrest within a county building which raised concerns about public safety and the impact on ongoing judicial processes.
Local authorities continue to call for collaboration with federal agencies on investigations into the events leading to the shooting deaths of individuals by federal officers, which has fueled tension between state and federal law enforcement.
