🔗 Share this article

The federal government has deployed additional immigration officials to Minnesota, marking an escalation in its campaign and rhetoric targeting the region and its sizable immigrant communities.

Operation Details Announced by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “surging to Minneapolis to root out fraud, apprehend perpetrators and remove criminal undocumented individuals”. The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, stated to a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the biggest immigration crackdown ever underway right now”.

“We have the largest immigration operation ever taking place right now.” – Todd Lyons, ICE Acting Director

Reports suggest the federal government is bringing in another two thousand agents, from both ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, into the state for a 30-day period. While the ICE official did not verify that specific figure, he called it a joint effort from both agencies. DHS would not confirm a number but stated it had “surged law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the agency's enforcement push in the state has been ongoing since the start of last month. In response, local residents have fought back against ICE, engaging in protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly avoided public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being apprehended.

The homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, appears to be personally involved in the state. She is seen in a DHS video of an arrest in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador wanted for murder in his nation of origin.

Broader Backdrop: High-Profile Cases and Comments

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is grappling with several prominent cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have reportedly drawn the attention of former President Trump and led to anti-immigrant comments from him specifically about Somalis. It is worth noting, Minnesota is home to the biggest Somali population in the U.S., and the majority of Somalis in the state are U.S. citizens.

Lyons added that officers have been “conducting visits” to companies allegedly hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He commended Secretary Noem for running an “awesome, successful operation” in Minneapolis and framed the effort as fighting against local non-cooperation policies in places like Minnesota.

State Leadership Response

In a public statement, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the federal surge “ridiculous” and part of a “conflict that’s being fought against Minnesota”.

“I don’t think any government in history has had to fight a war against the federal government every single day. We are being attacked like no other time in our state’s history because of a petty, vile administration that is indifferent to the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The governor's strong condemnation highlights the deep political rift between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this escalating enforcement initiative.