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The federal government has dispatched a fresh wave of immigration officials to Minnesota, representing an escalation in its campaign and rhetoric targeting the state and its immigrant populations.

Federal Surge Confirmed by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to eradicate fraud, apprehend perpetrators and deport criminal illegal aliens”. The top official 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, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director

News accounts indicate the federal government is bringing in 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 declined to specify a number but stated it had “surged law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the agency's crackdown in the state has been ongoing since early December. In response, local residents have fought back against ICE, engaging in protests and attempting to block deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly avoided public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to fear of being detained.

The top DHS official, Kristi Noem, appears to be on the ground in the state. She is featured in a DHS video of an apprehension in Minneapolis of a man from Ecuador sought for murder in his nation of origin.

Broader Backdrop: High-Profile Cases and Rhetoric

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is dealing with several high-profile cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have reportedly drawn the focus of former President Trump and led to 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 “conducting visits” to businesses allegedly hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He commended Secretary Noem for leading an “highly effective 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 called the federal surge “ridiculous” and part of a “conflict that’s being fought against Minnesota”.

“I don’t think any state 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 doesn’t care about the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The governor's forceful condemnation highlights the deep division between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this intensifying enforcement initiative.