Minneapolis ICE Commander to Leave Post Amid Backlash; Trump Considers Tariffs on South Korea

Minneapolis, MN – Gregory Bovino, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) commander who became the public face of the Trump administration's controversial Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, is leaving his post and returning to a previous position in El Centro, California, according to a senior White House official (Sky News). The move comes amid mounting public backlash over the operation, which has seen increased ICE activity in the city and resulted in the deaths of two people (Al Jazeera).

The departure follows Republican candidate Chris Madel's decision to end his campaign for governor of Minnesota, citing the negative impact of Operation Metro Surge on Minneapolis (Al Jazeera). Madel announced his decision late Monday (Al Jazeera). The operation has sparked protests and criticism, with some denouncing the increased immigration enforcement actions (Al Jazeera).

Meanwhile, in other news, President Donald Trump has said he intends to raise tariffs on South Korean goods, including automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceuticals (The Guardian). In a social media post, Trump accused South Korea of not adhering to a trade deal struck last year (The Guardian). He stated that tariffs paid on South Korean exports to the United States would increase to 25% (The Guardian). The announcement briefly sent shares in Korean carmakers tumbling (The Guardian).

In Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, signaling a desire for deeper ties between the two countries (Al Jazeera). Xi expressed China's willingness to enhance mutual trust, strengthen communication, and deepen economic cooperation with Finland during Orpo's four-day visit (Al Jazeera).

In Syria, the withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Raqqa and Deir Az Zor on January 18 has resulted in celebrations in those Arab-majority cities, but has also created fear amongst other communities (Al Jazeera). The SDF withdrawal followed an offensive by the Syrian army (Al Jazeera).