Minnesota Governor Celebrates Community Resilience After Federal Operation Ends
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz delivered a heartfelt message to his state's residents Saturday, praising their "resilience" following weeks of federal immigration enforcement that sparked widespread protests and constitutional debates across the state.
"The rest of the country saw what the soul of Minnesota looks like. Spring is coming," Walz said in a 30-second video posted on social media, dressed casually in jogging attire.
Operation Metro Surge Officially Ends
The Trump administration this week officially concluded Operation Metro Surge, described as the largest modern U.S. immigration enforcement deployment in a single state. The operation drew intense criticism after federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, triggering bipartisan condemnation and legal challenges.
These tragic incidents ignited national protests and congressional oversight, with some Republicans breaking ranks with the administration over its aggressive tactics and inflammatory rhetoric.
Local Leaders Demand Accountability
Throughout the operation, Minnesota officials complained that federal enforcement was straining local courts while igniting mass demonstrations and constitutional rights debates. The state now faces significant recovery costs from the federal intervention.
"You don't get to break things, and then just leave without doing something about it," Walz told reporters Thursday, demanding federal compensation for damages incurred during the operation.
However, the governor expressed skepticism about federal cooperation, stating he wouldn't "hold my breath that the federal government's going to do the right thing." Instead, he emphasized Minnesota's commitment to leading its own recovery efforts.
Community Solidarity Emerges
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised residents' resilience, writing: "They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation."
Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed this sentiment, declaring: "Minnesotans stood together, stared down ICE, and never blinked."
In his Saturday message, Walz emphasized community unity: "We know there's a lot of work to be done, but it's done from the heart, it's done with community, it's done with working together."
Federal Response Remains Defiant
Border Czar Tom Homan defended the operation Thursday, arguing that arresting public safety threats shouldn't be partisan and calling on Congress to take action against sanctuary jurisdictions.
As Minnesota begins its recovery, the state's response to federal overreach serves as a powerful example of community resilience and democratic values in action.