Readers Write: Tom Homan, the end of Operation Metro Surge

Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes letters from readers online and in print each day. To contribute, click here.

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What was missing from the Feb. 12 news conference featuring border czar Tom Homan was a coherent explanation of why the surge of almost 3,000 agents was necessary (“Homan announces ICE drawdown,” Feb. 13). Homan mentioned a vague agreement on cooperation between the Department of Homeland Security and the county jails in Minnesota. I assume that the county jail cooperation agreement represents a relatively small slice of the 4,000 people that Homan claimed were subject to DHS enforcement. Such an agreement with county jails could have been accomplished without a surge of almost 3,000 agents.

The public needs a comprehensive explanation of why such an overwhelming and brutal crackdown was necessary. A comprehensive data release on who is being swept up by Operation Metro Surge is urgently needed. Homan’s emphasis on a relatively minor part of the surge was a woefully inadequate justification of the actions of the DHS and its agents.

Doug DeGrote, Eagan

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Having just listened to Homan declare victory, I’m not sure what bothers me more: the lying about how 4,000 people were a threat and how much safer we are, how well behaved his agents were, etc., or the fawning at the end. All these toadies feel a deep need to outrageously praise their boss in order to keep their jobs or have their opinions matter. I really wish the first reporter to ask a question at the end had, instead, just offered him a hankie to wipe the brown and orange off his nose.

The promise of the drawdown of Immigration and Customs Enforcement forces to pre-November levels is overwhelmingly welcome and desperately needed for the health of our communities, businesses and our state. The support of our churches, community networks and individuals to help those terrorized and traumatized by ICE’s tragic tactics is overwhelmingly amazing and awesome. We have wonderful, loving people helping those in need in our state.

I would hope our state would recognize in some meaningful way the courageous efforts and spirit of those who provided steadfast, creative and loving support through an extremely challenging time for all. One thought is a day designated for annual recognition of the love and support for our communities and neighbors that exemplifies a meaningful Minnesota spirit shared by so many. Any other ideas for such are most welcome. Bipartisan support in our state Legislature for such would be wonderful as well. But, of course we don’t want to pat ourselves on our backs too heartily since, as true Minnesotans, it’s just the thing to do — find ways to help each other, especially in times of need — and our communities, networks and neighbors rose up to do it.

Bruce Hermansen, Apple Valley

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The withdrawal of ICE from Minnesota leaves significant economic and psychological damage in its wake but also a pride reflected in the worldwide praise for Minnesota’s tenacious neighborliness. With many Canadians, Europeans and others refusing to travel to the U.S. because of our leadership in Washington, would this not be a time to reach out to them with a strong tourism campaign to attract them to a beautiful state replete with Minnesota Nice, natural beauty, livable cities, great shopping and a diverse choice of world cuisine? If they object to our leadership in Washington, why not come to support Minnesota, which revealed itself as the most American state by standing up to the same leadership they decry? Among many lures are the Mall of America and more shoreline than Florida, California and Hawaii put together with boating, swimming and fishing opportunities to match. Minnesota needs their help, and they can support shared values by visiting. Residents of other states can do the same. Come and support Minnesota! Send a message to Washington that courageous goodness is rewarded!

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To our elected officials who choose to repeat comments from the Oval Office, blaming anti-ICE protests on rhetoric from the governor and Minneapolis mayor, you clearly don’t know Minnesotans. No one protested because Gov. Tim Walz told us to. We protested because the behavior of heavily armed, masked thugs was inhumane, cruel, unconstitutional, undemocratic and ultimately dangerous. In short, it was the morally right thing to do. I encourage voters in upcoming elections to think about what kind of people you want to lead this state: lemmings who fall into line regardless of unethical behavior or people who will stand up for what’s right and the people of Minnesota.

Lisa Nelson, Minneapolis

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I could feel my tense shoulders loosen a little after hearing word of plans that Operation Metro Surge will finally end. I hope the administration will follow through on its commitment to leaving, and I know there is much work and healing to be done. I participated in the first protest march downtown and had felt such a feeling of hope surrounded by so many people, only to have Alex Pretti killed the next morning and hearing unrelenting stories of fellow neighbors being literally pulled from the streets by masked strangers. This city felt absolutely heartbroken. The recent story of the “Signal moms” who have been delivering groceries to families too afraid to leave their homes just gave me all the hope that I had lost back (“Signal moms ‘want to fix it,’” Feb. 12).

Liz Knutson, Minneapolis

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Thank God, the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti were not in vain. They are the turning point that helped end the brutal federal occupation in Minnesota. For two months, more than 3,000 heavily armed ICE and Border Patrol agents operated with near-total immunity, leading to chaos, fear and tragedy in our communities. Good’s and Pretti’s deaths sparked outrage, unity and resistance across the state, ultimately pressuring the administration to conclude Operation Metro Surge next week.

Good and Pretti are symbols of courage and the human cost of unchecked power. Minnesotans stood up, protested, organized and demanded justice. Their sacrifice strengthened our resolve to defend civil liberties, protect our neighbors, demand accountability and ensure that abusive federal tactics never again trample our rights. We owe it to them to keep fighting for a nation worthy of their memory.

James Gambone, Orono

Metro Minnesotans are cautiously optimistic about ICE leaving, but it’s still “trust but verify.” Even when it does, we have a lot of work to do in the aftermath.

I’m afraid that our bravado in crisis will be taken as a superpower to recover. We were strong when we needed to be. But they leave a region that is deeply traumatized, especially children. Our nervous systems are shot. Every dime we didn’t need went to mutual aid networks helping those who couldn’t get food or make rent.

Yes, it’s welcome news. But we’re not celebrating. We’re mourning tragedy. It’s going to be weeks until we can walk. Years before we can run. And for what?

For what?!

Nancy Wicklund Gonzalez, St. Anthony

The presence of 3,000 agents in Operation Metro Surge is said to be coming to an end. In my eyes, the elevated presence can’t end soon enough.

It is hard for me to watch and feel like this was purposeful border control. It felt more like intimidation.

I fully understand the cause of closing the borders and removing the “worst of the worst.” But where did this go wrong? It just seems like there were far too many casualties to ever claim success. Too many innocent people scooped up and transported to other states. Too many people crammed into facilities without proper food, beds or medical care. Too many families afraid to bring their kids to school. Too much interruption of daily commerce. Too much physical injury. Two people dead.

I could go on, but we have all seen the collateral damage.

As a kid, I vaguely remember the clash with the National Guard at Kent State. There was a moment captured by photo of a woman kneeling over a student lying on the pavement with her arms outstretched, in disbelief at a preventable shooting.