Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that he believes the federal immigration enforcement surge in the state is nearing its conclusion and could wrap up within “days, not weeks and months,” citing recent discussions with senior officials in the Trump administration.

Speaking at a news conference, the Democratic governor said he held conversations with border czar Tom Homan on Monday and with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles early Tuesday. Homan assumed control of the federal operation in Minnesota in late January, following a second deadly shooting involving federal officers and growing political criticism over how the effort was being carried out.

“We’re very much in a trust but verify mode,” Walz said. He added that he expects additional clarification from the administration “in the next day or so” about the future of what he described as an “occupation” and a “retribution campaign” directed at Minnesota.

Walz said that while he is cautiously optimistic because “every indication I have is that this thing is winding up,” he acknowledged the situation remains fluid and could still change.

“It would be my hope that Mr. Homan goes out before Friday and announces that this thing is done, and they’re bringing her down and they’re bringing her down in days,” Walz said. “That would be my expectation.”

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the governor’s statements.

Walz said he has no reason to doubt Homan’s assertion last week that 700 federal officers would immediately withdraw from Minnesota, but noted that such a move would still leave roughly 2,300 federal personnel operating in the state.

At the time, Homan pointed to what he called an “increase in unprecedented collaboration” that reduced the need for a larger federal presence, including cooperation from jails holding inmates eligible for deportation.

The governor also said he expects the state to receive “cooperation on joint investigations” into the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers, though he did not elaborate. State officials have said those cases have been a source of tension, arguing they have been excluded from the investigations and denied access to evidence.

Walz convened the news conference largely to highlight what he said has been the economic fallout from the enforcement surge. He spoke at The Market at Malcolm Yards, a local food hall where owner Patty Wall said the broader restaurant industry has become “collateral damage” as a result of the crackdown.

Matt Varilek, the state’s commissioner of employment and economic development, said Malcolm Yards would typically be packed but is now struggling because workers and customers are staying away out of fear tied to the enforcement activity.

“So it is great news, of course, that the posture seems to have changed at the federal level toward their activities here in Minnesota,” Varilek said.

“But, as the governor said, it’s a trust-but-verify situation. And frankly, the fear that has been sown, I haven’t really noticed any reduction in that.”

{Matzav.com}