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The national administration has deployed additional immigration officials to the state of Minnesota, representing an intensification in its rhetoric and actions against the region and its sizable immigrant communities.

Operation Details Announced by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that it is “surging to Minneapolis to root out fraud, apprehend perpetrators and remove criminal undocumented individuals”. The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, stated to 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, 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 joint effort from both agencies. DHS would not confirm a number but acknowledged it had “increased law enforcement” presence.

The Crackdown Effort and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the agency's enforcement push in Minnesota has been underway since the start of last month. In response, local residents have fought 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 apprehension of being apprehended.

The top DHS official, Kristi Noem, is believed to be personally involved in the state. She is featured in a DHS video of an apprehension in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador wanted for murder in his home country.

Political Context: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is dealing with several high-profile cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have reportedly captured the focus of former President Trump and resulted in anti-immigrant comments from him specifically about 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 added that officers have been “going door to door” to companies allegedly hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “investigating these fraud cases”. He commended Secretary Noem for running an “awesome, successful operation” in Minneapolis and said the agents were fighting against sanctuary 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 fought 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 state's strong criticism highlights the deep division between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this intensifying enforcement initiative.