🔗 Share this article

The federal government has dispatched additional immigration enforcement agents to the state of Minnesota, marking an intensification in its campaign and rhetoric targeting the state and its immigrant populations.

Federal Surge Announced by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to root out fraud, arrest perpetrators and deport criminal illegal aliens”. The top official of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, told a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the largest immigration operation ever underway right now”.

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

Reports suggest the administration is sending another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a 30-day period. While Lyons did not verify that specific figure, he described it as a combined operation from both agencies. DHS declined to specify a number but stated it had “increased law enforcement” resources.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the federal crackdown in Minnesota has been ongoing since the start of last month. In reaction, community members have pushed back against ICE, organizing protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly stayed away from public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to fear of being apprehended.

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

Broader Backdrop: High-Profile Cases and Rhetoric

This fixation on Minnesota occurs as the state is grappling with several prominent cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have allegedly captured the focus of former President Trump and led to anti-immigrant comments from him specifically about Somalis. It is worth noting, Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the U.S., and the majority of Somalis in the state are U.S. citizens.

Lyons further stated that officers have been “going door to door” to businesses allegedly hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “investigating these fraud cases”. He praised Secretary Noem for running an “highly effective operation” in Minneapolis and framed the effort as fighting against local non-cooperation policies in places like Minnesota.

Governor's Rebuke

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

“In my view, any government in history has had to battle against the federal government every single day. We are being attacked like no other time in our state’s history because of a spiteful, malicious administration that doesn’t care about the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The state's strong criticism highlights the significant division between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this escalating crackdown.