Immigration arrests fell 11% in February as the Trump administration retreated from its most aggressive deportation tactics. Federal officials confirmed that ICE shifted from high-profile street sweeps to more targeted operations, reducing the chaotic confrontations that sparked protests and fatal shootings in Minneapolis.

In January, federal agents killed two American citizens during immigration raids, triggering political backlash. The White House has since withdrawn hundreds of agents from Minneapolis and scaled back operations in Los Angeles and Chicago. Daily ICE arrests remain about four times higher than during the last year of the Biden administration, though the pace has slowed.

Despite the pullback, the administration deported immigrants to countries where they weren't from, including a secret arrangement with Cameroon. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was ousted Thursday, though officials denied the move reflected dissatisfaction with enforcement strategy. The shift could be temporary, as the White House has previously claimed restraint before launching aggressive raids.