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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 rhetoric and actions targeting the region and its sizable immigrant communities.

Operation Details 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 top official of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, stated to a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the largest immigration crackdown ever underway right now”.

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

News accounts indicate the federal government is sending another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a one-month period. While Lyons 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 “increased law enforcement” resources.

The Crackdown Effort and Community Impact

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the agency's enforcement push in Minnesota has been underway since the start of last month. In reaction, local residents have pushed back against ICE, engaging in protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly stayed away from public life, forgoing trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being detained.

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

Political Context: High-Profile Cases and Rhetoric

This fixation on Minnesota comes while 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 “conducting visits” to companies allegedly hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He commended Secretary Noem for leading an “awesome, successful operation” in Minneapolis and framed the effort as fighting against local non-cooperation policies in places like Minnesota.

Governor's Rebuke

In a public statement, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the federal surge “outrageous” and part of a “war that’s being waged 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 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 governor's forceful criticism highlights the significant division between state and federal authorities over this intensifying crackdown.