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

Operation Details Confirmed by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “surging to Minneapolis to root out fraud, arrest perpetrators and deport criminal undocumented individuals”. The top official of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, stated to a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the biggest immigration operation ever underway 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 administration is bringing in another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, into the state for a 30-day period. While Lyons 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 “increased law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the federal enforcement push in Minnesota has been ongoing since the start of last month. In response, community members have pushed back against ICE, engaging in protests and attempting to block deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly avoided public life, forgoing trips to grocery stores or medical care due to fear 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 arrest in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador sought for murder in his home country.

Broader Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Rhetoric

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is grappling with several prominent cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have reportedly captured the attention of former President Trump and led to xenophobic 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 added that officers have been “going door to door” to companies suspected of hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “investigating these fraud cases”. He commended 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 labeled the federal surge “ridiculous” and part of a “war 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 being attacked 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 strong condemnation underscores the deep political rift between state and federal authorities over this escalating crackdown.