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The federal government has deployed additional immigration enforcement agents to the state of Minnesota, representing an escalation in its campaign and rhetoric targeting the state and its immigrant communities.

Federal Surge 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 remove 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 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 administration is sending another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, into the state for a 30-day period. While the ICE official did not verify that specific figure, he described it as a combined operation from both agencies. DHS would not confirm a number but stated it had “increased law enforcement” resources.

The Crackdown Effort and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the agency's enforcement push in Minnesota has been underway since the start of last month. In response, local residents have pushed back against ICE, organizing 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 homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, appears to be on the ground in the state. She is seen in a government-produced video of an arrest in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador wanted for murder in his home country.

Broader Backdrop: High-Profile Cases and Comments

This focus on Minnesota occurs as the state is dealing with several high-profile cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have allegedly drawn the focus of former President Trump and resulted in anti-immigrant comments from him targeting Somalis. It is worth noting, 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 allegedly 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 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 “war that’s being waged against Minnesota”.

“In my view, any government in history has had to battle against the federal government every single day. We are under assault 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 underscores the deep division between state and federal authorities over this escalating crackdown.