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The national administration has dispatched 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 publicly stated that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to eradicate 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 crackdown ever taking place right now”.

“Our agency has the largest immigration operation ever taking place right now.” – Todd Lyons, ICE Official

Reports suggest the federal government is sending another two thousand agents, from both ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, into the state for a one-month period. While the ICE official did not verify that specific figure, he called it a joint effort from both agencies. DHS declined to specify a number but acknowledged it had “surged law enforcement” resources.

Operation Metro Surge and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the federal crackdown in the state has been underway since the start of last month. In response, community members have pushed back against ICE, engaging in protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly avoided public life, forgoing trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being detained.

The top DHS official, Kristi Noem, is believed to be personally involved 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 home country.

Political Context: High-Profile Cases and Comments

This focus on Minnesota comes while the state is dealing with several prominent cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have reportedly captured the focus of former President Trump and resulted in xenophobic comments from him specifically about Somalis. It is worth noting, 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 businesses allegedly hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He praised 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 press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the federal surge “ridiculous” and part of a “conflict that’s being fought 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 spiteful, malicious administration that is indifferent to the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The state's forceful condemnation underscores the significant division between state and federal authorities over this escalating enforcement initiative.