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The federal government has dispatched additional immigration officials to Minnesota, representing an escalation in its rhetoric and actions against the region and its sizable immigrant communities.

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, arrest perpetrators and remove 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 biggest immigration crackdown ever underway right now”.

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

Reports suggest 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 combined operation from both agencies. DHS declined to specify a number but acknowledged it had “increased law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the federal enforcement push in the state has been underway since the start of last month. In reaction, community members have pushed back against ICE, organizing protests and attempting to block deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have allegedly stayed away from public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being apprehended.

The top DHS official, Kristi Noem, is believed to be on the ground in the state. She is seen in a DHS video of an apprehension in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador wanted for murder in his home country.

Broader Backdrop: High-Profile Cases and Comments

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is grappling with several prominent cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have reportedly captured the attention of former President Trump and led to anti-immigrant comments from him targeting 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 “going door to door” to companies 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 press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the federal surge “outrageous” and part of a “conflict that’s being fought against Minnesota”.

“I don’t think any state government in history has had to battle against the federal government every single day. We are being attacked 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 strong criticism underscores the significant political rift between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this escalating crackdown.