MINNEAPOLIS — In a sudden shift of tone following weeks of heightened tension and fatal shootings involving federal law enforcement, President Donald Trump announced Monday that he had a "very good telephone conversation" with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The breakthrough appears to signal a partial withdrawal of federal agents from the city and a new coordination effort led by "Border Czar" Tom Homan.

Key Developments in the De-escalation

• The Phone Call: Following a period of sharp public disagreement, Trump posted on Truth Social that "lots of progress is being made" after his discussion with Mayor Frey. Frey confirmed the call, stating that both leaders agreed "the present situation cannot continue."

• Federal Withdrawal: Mayor Frey announced that some federal agents will begin leaving the Minneapolis area as early as Tuesday. This includes the expected departure of senior Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, who had been a central figure in "Operation Metro Surge."

• Homan Meeting: Trump has dispatched Border Czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee the remaining enforcement efforts. Mayor Frey is slated to meet with Homan on Tuesday to "discuss next steps" and advocate for a total end to the surge.

• Wavelength with Walz: Trump also spoke with Governor Tim Walz on Monday, stating the two were on a "similar wavelength." Walz's office described the call as "productive," noting that Trump agreed to allow the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to conduct independent investigations into recent federal shootings.

Background: A City in Crisis

The shift in strategy comes after intense national scrutiny of "Operation Metro Surge." The operation was marred by three shootings involving federal agents in less than three weeks:

1. Renee Good (Jan 7): A 37-year-old woman shot and killed in south Minneapolis.

2. Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis (Jan 14): Shot in the leg by federal agents.

3. Alex Pretti (Jan 24): A 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen shot and killed, an event that triggered widespread protests and bipartisan calls for investigation.

The Role of Tom Homan

By sending Homan, the Trump administration appears to be seeking a "tough but fair" intermediary to replace the more inflammatory presence of previous commanders. While Homan remains a controversial figure committed to the administration’s deportation goals, local officials hope his arrival marks a transition from aggressive street-level tactics to a more coordinated focus on "violent criminals."

Legal and Political Pressure

The de-escalation also coincides with significant legal pressure. A federal judge is currently weighing a lawsuit from the state and the Twin Cities seeking to halt the federal surge. Simultaneously, Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel recently dropped out of his race, citing the "retribution" being exacted on Minnesota citizens as a reason for his exit.

Mayor Frey emphasized that while the city will cooperate on legitimate criminal investigations, it will "not participate in unconstitutional arrests" or enforce federal immigration law against peaceful neighbors.