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The federal government has deployed a fresh wave of immigration enforcement agents to Minnesota, marking an intensification in its rhetoric and actions against the state and its immigrant populations.

Federal Surge Announced by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to root out fraud, apprehend perpetrators and remove criminal illegal aliens”. 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”.

“Our agency has the largest immigration operation ever taking place right now.” – Todd Lyons, ICE Official

News accounts suggest the federal government is sending another two thousand agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a 30-day period. While the ICE official did not verify that specific figure, he described it as a joint effort from both agencies. DHS would not confirm a number but stated it had “increased law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the federal enforcement push in Minnesota has been underway since the start of last month. In response, community members have pushed back against ICE, organizing protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have allegedly stayed away from public life, forgoing trips to grocery stores or medical care due to fear of being detained.

The homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, appears to be personally involved in the state. She is featured in a government-produced video of an apprehension in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador wanted for murder in his home country.

Broader Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This focus on Minnesota comes while the state is dealing with several prominent cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have reportedly captured the focus of former President Trump and led to anti-immigrant comments from him specifically about Somalis. Notably, 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 added that officers have been “going door to door” to companies 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 framed the effort as fighting against local non-cooperation policies in places like Minnesota.

Governor's Rebuke

In a press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the federal surge “outrageous” and part of a “war that’s being fought against Minnesota”.

“In my view, any 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 forceful condemnation highlights the significant political rift between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this escalating crackdown.