Story perspectives

Border Crackdown Sparks Protests and Local Backlash

2/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, admitted flaws in federal deportation actions and signaled a possible drawdown of operations if locals cooperate.
Operation Metro Surge, the crackdown, has triggered protests and the deaths of two residents, including Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs nurse.
Eyewitnesses describe chaotic scenes with tear gas and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement.
Local immigrant-owned businesses report economic impacts from the heightened federal presence.

History

Historical Context

Operation Wetback, initiated in June 1954 under President Eisenhower, aimed to deport undocumented Mexican immigrants, resulting in over 1.1 million deportations. This aggressive enforcement drew criticism for its tactics and led to significant community impacts, echoing current immigration policies like Operation Metro Surge. The historical precedent underscores ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and local economic stability, particularly affecting immigrant-owned businesses.

1 of 2

Story summary

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, admitted flaws in federal deportation actions and signaled a possible drawdown of operations if locals cooperate.
Operation Metro Surge, the crackdown, has triggered protests and the deaths of two residents, including Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs nurse.
Eyewitnesses describe chaotic scenes with tear gas and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement.
Local immigrant-owned businesses report economic impacts from the heightened federal presence.

1 / 2