What's happened
President Trump has ordered the end of Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale deportation effort in Minnesota that faced widespread protests and fatalities. The operation, launched in January, involved about 3,000 immigration agents and led to clashes with local authorities and citizens. It is now being withdrawn amid criticism and legal challenges. Today’s date is Tue, 17 Feb 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The end of Operation Metro Surge marks a significant retreat for the Trump administration's immigration policies. The operation's deployment in Minnesota was highly controversial, with mass protests and fatalities highlighting the risks of militarized enforcement. The administration's decision to withdraw reflects mounting bipartisan concern and legal challenges, including court orders to release wrongly detained migrants. This retreat signals a potential shift in federal immigration tactics, emphasizing the limits of aggressive deportation efforts amid public and political opposition. It also underscores the growing influence of local authorities and courts in constraining federal enforcement, which could shape future immigration policy debates. The incident reveals the deep polarization around immigration, with Trump’s supporters viewing the surge as necessary for safety, while opponents see it as an overreach that damages civil liberties and community trust. Moving forward, the administration may adopt more restrained approaches, balancing enforcement with legal and public opinion constraints, especially in politically sensitive states like Minnesota.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that the operation faced fierce protests and fatalities, with Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemning the surge. The article highlights that even some Republicans questioned the tactics, with Senator Ron Johnson criticizing the 'highly organized resistance' against the operation. SBS and Reuters detail the operational scale, noting that about 3,000 agents were deployed and that the operation was the largest in U.S. history, but faced legal and political pushback. Both sources emphasize that the operation was abruptly ended after bipartisan criticism and court orders, with officials citing concerns over public safety and civil rights. The Japan Times provides context on the protests and fatalities, framing the operation as a major crisis for Trump’s presidency. Overall, the coverage underscores the controversy and legal challenges that led to the operation’s conclusion, illustrating the limits of federal enforcement in a politically divided climate.
How we got here
In January, Trump deployed about 3,000 immigration agents in Minnesota under Operation Metro Surge, claiming it was necessary for public safety. The operation faced fierce opposition from state officials and residents, with protests and two fatal shootings of Americans observing the deportations. The surge was part of Trump’s broader immigration enforcement push, which aimed to demonstrate toughness ahead of his 2024 campaign. The operation was criticized for its aggressive tactics and impact on civil rights, leading to legal and political backlash.
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