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The federal government has deployed additional immigration enforcement agents to the state of Minnesota, marking an intensification in its campaign and rhetoric against the state and its immigrant communities.

Operation Details Confirmed by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that it is “surging 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”.

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

Reports indicate the federal government is sending another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a 30-day period. While the ICE official did not confirm 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” resources.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the federal crackdown in the state has been ongoing since early December. In response, local residents 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 apprehension of being detained.

The top DHS official, Kristi Noem, is believed to be personally involved in the state. She is seen in a government-produced video of an apprehension in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador sought for murder in his nation of origin.

Broader Backdrop: High-Profile Cases and Comments

This fixation on Minnesota occurs as the state is dealing with several high-profile cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have reportedly drawn the attention of former President Trump and led to xenophobic comments from him specifically about Somalis. Notably, 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 companies allegedly hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He praised 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 “war that’s being fought 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 petty, vile administration that is indifferent to the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The state's forceful condemnation highlights the significant political rift between state and federal authorities over this intensifying enforcement initiative.