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The national administration has deployed additional immigration enforcement agents to the state of Minnesota, representing an escalation in its campaign and rhetoric targeting the state and its immigrant communities.

Operation Details Announced by DHS

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

Reports indicate the federal government is bringing in another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, into the state for a one-month period. While Lyons 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 “increased law enforcement” resources.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the federal crackdown in the state has been ongoing since early December. In reaction, community members have pushed back against ICE, organizing protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly avoided public life, forgoing trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being detained.

The homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, appears to be on the ground in the state. She is featured in a DHS video of an arrest in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador wanted for murder in his home country.

Broader Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Rhetoric

This focus on Minnesota comes while the state is dealing with several prominent cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have allegedly captured the focus of former President Trump and resulted in 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 “going door to door” to businesses allegedly hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He commended Secretary Noem for leading an “awesome, successful operation” in Minneapolis and said the agents were fighting against sanctuary policies in places like Minnesota.

Governor's Rebuke

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

“I don’t think any 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 forceful criticism underscores the deep political rift between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this intensifying crackdown.