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The national administration has dispatched additional immigration enforcement agents to Minnesota, marking an escalation in its rhetoric and actions targeting the state and its immigrant communities.

Federal Surge Announced by Homeland Security

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 acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, stated to 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, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Official

News accounts indicate the administration is bringing in another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a one-month period. While Lyons did not confirm that specific figure, he called it a joint effort from both agencies. DHS would not confirm a number but stated it had “surged law enforcement” resources.

Operation Metro Surge and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the federal crackdown in the state has been underway since early December. In reaction, local residents have fought back against ICE, engaging in protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly stayed away from public life, forgoing trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being apprehended.

The top DHS official, Kristi Noem, appears to be on the ground 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 home country.

Broader Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is dealing with several prominent cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have allegedly captured the attention of former President Trump and led to xenophobic comments from him targeting Somalis. Notably, Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the U.S., and the vast majority of Somalis in the state are U.S. citizens.

Lyons further stated that officers have been “going door to door” to businesses suspected of hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “investigating these fraud cases”. He commended Secretary Noem for leading an “highly effective operation” in Minneapolis and framed the effort as fighting against local non-cooperation policies in places like Minnesota.

State Leadership Response

In a public statement, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled 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 spiteful, malicious administration that is indifferent to the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The state's strong condemnation underscores the deep political rift between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this escalating crackdown.