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The federal government has dispatched additional immigration enforcement agents to the state of Minnesota, representing an intensification in its rhetoric and actions targeting the region and its sizable immigrant communities.

Operation Details Confirmed by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to root out fraud, apprehend perpetrators and remove criminal illegal aliens”. The top official of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, told a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the biggest immigration operation ever taking place right now”.

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

Reports suggest the federal government is sending another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a one-month period. While the ICE official did not verify that specific figure, he described it as a combined operation from both agencies. DHS declined to specify a number but acknowledged it had “surged law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the agency's crackdown in Minnesota has been ongoing since the start of last month. In response, community members have fought back against ICE, organizing protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly stayed away from public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to fear of being apprehended.

The homeland security secretary, 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 nation of origin.

Political Context: High-Profile Cases and Comments

This focus on Minnesota occurs as the state is dealing with several prominent cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have reportedly captured the attention of former President Trump and resulted in anti-immigrant comments from him targeting Somalis. Notably, Minnesota is home to the largest 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 suspected of hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “investigating 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 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 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 doesn’t care about the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The governor's strong criticism highlights the significant division between state and federal authorities over this escalating crackdown.