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The federal government has deployed a fresh wave of immigration officials to Minnesota, representing an intensification in its rhetoric and actions against the region and its sizable immigrant communities.

Federal Surge Announced by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to root out fraud, apprehend perpetrators and deport criminal illegal aliens”. The acting director 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 Official

Reports suggest the administration is sending another two thousand agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a 30-day 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 acknowledged it had “increased law enforcement” resources.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the agency's enforcement push in Minnesota has been underway since early December. In response, community members have pushed back against ICE, engaging in 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 detained.

The homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, appears to be on the ground in the state. She is featured in a DHS video of an arrest in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador wanted for murder in his nation of origin.

Broader Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This focus on Minnesota comes while the state is grappling with several prominent cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have reportedly captured the focus 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 added that officers have been “going door to door” to businesses suspected of hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He praised 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.

State Leadership Response

In a press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the federal surge “ridiculous” and part of a “conflict that’s being fought against Minnesota”.

“I don’t think any state 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 doesn’t care about the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The governor's forceful criticism underscores the deep political rift between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this escalating enforcement initiative.