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The national administration has deployed additional immigration officials to Minnesota, marking an escalation in its campaign and rhetoric targeting the region and its sizable immigrant populations.

Operation Details Announced by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “surging to Minneapolis to eradicate fraud, arrest perpetrators and deport criminal undocumented individuals”. The acting director 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, ICE Official

Reports suggest the federal government is sending another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a one-month period. While the ICE official did not confirm that specific figure, he called it a combined operation from both agencies. DHS would not confirm a number but acknowledged 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 underway since the start of last month. In response, local residents have fought back against ICE, organizing protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly stayed away from public life, forgoing 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 government-produced video of an arrest in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador wanted for murder in his nation of origin.

Broader Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Rhetoric

This focus on Minnesota comes while the state is dealing with several prominent cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have allegedly drawn the focus of former President Trump and led to xenophobic comments from him targeting 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 further stated that officers have been “conducting visits” to businesses suspected of hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He praised Secretary Noem for leading an “highly effective operation” in Minneapolis and framed the effort as fighting against sanctuary 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 “conflict that’s being waged against Minnesota”.

“I don’t think any state government in history has had to battle against the federal government every single day. We are under assault 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 governor's strong criticism highlights the significant division between state and federal authorities over this escalating crackdown.