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The national administration has dispatched additional immigration enforcement agents to Minnesota, marking an intensification in its rhetoric and actions against the region and its sizable immigrant communities.

Operation Details Announced by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that it is “surging to Minneapolis to root out fraud, arrest perpetrators and deport criminal undocumented individuals”. The top official of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, stated to a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the largest immigration crackdown ever taking place right now”.

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

News accounts indicate the administration 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 called it a joint effort from both agencies. DHS declined to specify a number but acknowledged it had “increased law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the federal crackdown in Minnesota has been ongoing since the start of last month. In reaction, community members have fought back against ICE, organizing protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly avoided 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 home country.

Broader Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is dealing with several prominent cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have allegedly captured the attention of former President Trump and resulted in anti-immigrant comments from him targeting Somalis. It is worth noting, 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 “going door to door” 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 said the agents were fighting against sanctuary policies in places like Minnesota.

State Leadership Response

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

“I don’t think 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 petty, vile administration that is indifferent to the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The state's forceful criticism highlights the significant political rift between state and federal authorities over this intensifying crackdown.