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The federal government has deployed a fresh wave of immigration enforcement agents to Minnesota, representing an escalation in its campaign and rhetoric against the state and its immigrant populations.

Operation Details Announced by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “surging to Minneapolis to eradicate fraud, arrest perpetrators and deport 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”.

“We have the largest immigration operation ever taking place right now.” – Todd Lyons, ICE Official

News accounts suggest the federal government is bringing in another two thousand 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 “increased law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the federal enforcement push in Minnesota has been ongoing since the start of last month. In reaction, local residents have fought back against ICE, organizing protests and attempting to block deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have allegedly avoided public life, forgoing trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being detained.

The homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, is believed to be personally involved in the state. She is featured 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 Rhetoric

This focus on Minnesota occurs as the state is dealing with several high-profile cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have allegedly drawn the attention of former President Trump and resulted in xenophobic comments from him targeting Somalis. It is worth noting, Minnesota is home to the biggest 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 “conducting visits” to companies suspected of 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 framed the effort as fighting against local non-cooperation policies in places like Minnesota.

Governor's Rebuke

In a public statement, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the federal surge “ridiculous” and part of a “war that’s being waged against Minnesota”.

“In my view, any 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 governor's forceful criticism highlights the deep political rift between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this escalating enforcement initiative.