🔗 Share this article

The national administration has deployed additional immigration officials to Minnesota, representing an intensification in its campaign and rhetoric against the state and its immigrant populations.

Operation Details Confirmed by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to root out fraud, arrest perpetrators and remove criminal undocumented individuals”. The top official of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, told a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the biggest immigration crackdown ever taking place right now”.

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

News accounts indicate the federal government is sending another two thousand agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a 30-day period. While Lyons did not confirm that specific figure, he described it as a joint effort from both agencies. DHS declined to specify a number but acknowledged it had “surged law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the agency's enforcement push in the state has been ongoing since the start of last month. In reaction, local residents have fought back against ICE, engaging in protests and attempting to block deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have allegedly stayed away from public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being detained.

The homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, is believed to be on the ground 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.

Political Context: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is grappling with several prominent cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have reportedly drawn the focus of former President Trump and resulted in anti-immigrant comments from him targeting Somalis. Notably, Minnesota is home to the biggest Somali population in the U.S., and the vast majority of Somalis in the state are U.S. citizens.

Lyons added 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 commended Secretary Noem for running an “highly effective operation” in Minneapolis and said the agents were fighting against local non-cooperation policies in places like Minnesota.

Governor's Rebuke

In a press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the federal surge “ridiculous” and part of a “conflict that’s being waged against Minnesota”.

“In my view, any state government in history has had to fight a war 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 is indifferent to the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The governor's strong criticism highlights the significant division between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this escalating enforcement initiative.