Trump Touts Crime Reduction in Minneapolis Amid Federal Enforcement

President Donald Trump recently highlighted a significant decrease in crime rates in Minneapolis, which he attributes to robust federal law enforcement measures. In an interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Trump discussed how crime has fallen significantly, emphasizing a 25% to 30% decline following the removal of “thousands of criminals” from the city.

“The crime numbers in Minnesota, particularly Minneapolis, have decreased significantly,” Trump stated. “We’ve successfully removed numerous hardened criminals, most of whom entered through open borders, thanks to our effective strategies.”

The initiative, known as Operation Metro Surge, has deployed a substantial number of immigration agents to the areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This has resulted in numerous arrests but has also led to public criticism and resistance from residents.

During the interview, Trump pointed out similar achievements in other large cities. He mentioned Washington, D.C., noting that it now presents a sense of safety where residents can move about without needing armored protection. Additionally, Trump referenced New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, as examples of success.

“Look at what happened in Louisiana,” Trump said. “The governor asked for our assistance in New Orleans. Since then, we’ve achieved a 71% reduction in crime over a four-week period.”

He also emphasized a downturn in crime in Memphis, citing an 80% reduction after five weeks of intensified efforts.

According to Trump, these outcomes reflect the triumph of his administration’s stern stance on crime. He asserted, “Historically, crime levels in this country are at an all-time low, with fewer murders than in the past few decades. Our hard line on crime is the reason.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt further supported this view by stating that murders in major U.S. cities have reached their lowest numbers since 1900. She tied this decline to increased federal detentions, dismantlement of gangs, and deportation activities under Trump’s “law and order” agenda.

In response to recent unfortunate events in the city, Trump decided to withdraw hundreds of federal agents from Minneapolis after two fatal shootings involving city residents occurred last month. He mentioned the need for the Department of Homeland Security to adopt a “softer touch.”

On Wednesday, Tom Homan, the White House border czar, announced that about 700 federal agents would begin leaving the Twin Cities, signaling a “complete drawdown.”

Fox News Digital sought comments from the White House on the matter, but they did not issue an immediate response.

Sophia Compton, a writer at Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. With a background in business reporting, Sophia specializes in finance, energy, and tourism. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and welcomes story tips at [email protected].