Tim Walz says federal govt must ‘pay for what they broke’ as immigration officers exit Minnesota

MINNESOTA, MINNEAPOLIS: Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz on Thursday demanded the federal government “pay for what they broke here” after the Trump administration confirmed it would wind down its high-profile immigration enforcement surge in the Twin Cities.

Walz accused federal authorities of inflicting lasting economic and social harm during the operation, which led to thousands of arrests, weeks of unrest, and the fatal shootings of two US citizens. His comments followed White House border czar Tom Homan’s announcement that the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Metro Surge would begin a significant drawdown in the state.

Tim Walz demands federal government pay for immigration enforcement damage

The governor stressed that the federal government must bear the financial burden of the operation’s consequences.

“The federal government needs to pay for what they broke here. The incredible costs were borne by the people of this state. You don't get to break things and then just leave without doing something about it,” Walz said. “We will be asking the federal delegation to invest and do what’s necessary."

Walz added that Minnesota remains in a “trust but verify phase” as officers prepare to depart.

Tom Homan announces drawdown of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota

Homan said Operation Metro Surge, the largest DHS immigration enforcement operation in history, would scale down in Minnesota. The operation, which began in December in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, resulted in more than 4,000 arrests. Around 700 federal officers will leave, while roughly 2,000 remain for ongoing investigations.

The operation had intensified national debate over Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, particularly after the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Tim Walz refuses to thank federal immigration agents for operation

Walz sharply criticized federal agents’ conduct and refused to thank authorities for the operation’s conclusion.

“I'm certainly not going to spike the football, but you're not going to hear me express gratitude for the people who caused this unnecessary, unwarranted, and in many cases unconstitutional assault on our state,” he said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant in the coming days, highlighting incidents in St. Peter where masked officers confronted civilians at gunpoint.

Tim Walz says federal immigration officers will leave Minnesota 'immediately’

When asked about the timeline for withdrawal, Walz said he spoke with Homan directly, who confirmed officers would leave immediately.

“I would volunteer to help them get to the airport if needed,” Walz said, adding the operation appeared to be political retaliation against Minnesota. “He picked the wrong state to make an example of. Minnesotans should remain hyper-vigilant.”