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The federal government has dispatched a fresh wave of immigration enforcement agents to the state of Minnesota, marking an intensification in its campaign and rhetoric targeting the state and its immigrant communities.

Operation Details Announced by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to eradicate fraud, arrest perpetrators and deport 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 largest immigration operation ever underway right now”.

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

News accounts indicate the federal government is sending another two thousand 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 acknowledged it had “increased law enforcement” resources.

Operation Metro Surge and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the agency's enforcement push in the state has been ongoing since early December. In response, local residents have pushed back against ICE, organizing protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly avoided public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being apprehended.

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

Political Context: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This focus on Minnesota occurs as the state is grappling with several high-profile cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have allegedly drawn the focus of former President Trump and led to xenophobic comments from him specifically about 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 added that officers have been “going door to door” to companies suspected of hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He commended 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.

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 petty, vile administration that is indifferent to the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The governor's strong condemnation highlights the significant division between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this intensifying crackdown.