White House Says Trump Administration Could Pull Border Patrol From Minnesota if Walz, Frey Cooperate

The White House outlined conditions under which the Trump administration could reduce or end the deployment of federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota, saying Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Border Patrol would no longer be needed if state and local leaders adopt specific cooperative measures with federal authorities.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that President Donald Trump has specified a series of steps Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey could take to ease tensions related to the ongoing federal immigration enforcement operation, which has drawn intense national attention after multiple violent incidents.

Leavitt said the administration’s three-step plan begins with state and local officials providing federal authorities with access to undocumented individuals currently held in state prisons and jails and those with active warrants or known criminal histories for immediate transfer to federal custody. Second, she said, local police would need to hand over undocumented people arrested by local law enforcement to federal immigration agents. Third, local police would need to assist in identifying and detaining individuals wanted for violent crimes.

“If Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey implement these common-sense cooperative measures … Customs and Border Protection will not be needed to support ICE on the ground in Minnesota,” Leavitt said. She framed the effort as a way to restore “law and order” and reduce hostility in Minneapolis and throughout the state.

Leavitt also argued that the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis occurred in part due to “deliberate and hostile resistance” from state and local leaders, which she said undermined federal officers’ ability to perform their duties safely.

The conditions set by the White House represent a hard-line stance on immigration cooperation, tying the potential drawdown of federal agents to significant changes in how state and local authorities interface with CBP and ICE. Homeland Security officials have repeatedly said they want enhanced cooperation with local law enforcement, particularly in identifying individuals who pose security or criminal risks.

Minnesota leaders have publicly criticized the federal immigration surge, and Gov. Walz said he and Trump had a “productive” phone call about the situation, with Trump agreeing to look into a reduction in the number of federal agents if cooperation improves. Minneapolis Mayor Frey also confirmed that some federal agents are expected to begin leaving the area soon.

The proposal comes amid growing debate over federal enforcement tactics, deadly encounters involving federal agents in Minnesota, and widespread protests. Legal challenges are also underway, including questions about the constitutionality of the immigration operation, ongoing investigations, and repeated requests for transparency from local and national officials.

Critics of the White House plan argue that cooperation conditions could undermine local autonomy and public safety priorities, while supporters contend that closer coordination with federal authorities will reduce conflicts and improve immigration enforcement outcomes. The situation remains fluid as the administration, state leaders, and municipal officials negotiate next steps.