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The federal government has deployed a fresh wave of immigration enforcement agents to Minnesota, representing an intensification in its rhetoric and actions targeting the state and its immigrant populations.

Federal Surge Confirmed by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that it is “surging to Minneapolis to eradicate fraud, arrest perpetrators and remove criminal undocumented individuals”. The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, told a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the largest immigration crackdown ever underway right now”.

“We have the largest immigration operation ever taking place right now.” – Todd Lyons, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Official

Reports suggest 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 confirm that specific figure, he called it a joint effort from both agencies. DHS declined to specify a number but stated it had “increased law enforcement” resources.

The Crackdown Effort and Community Impact

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the federal crackdown in the state has been ongoing since early December. In reaction, local residents have fought back against ICE, organizing protests and attempting to block 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, 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 sought for murder in his nation of origin.

Political Context: Fraud Allegations and Rhetoric

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is grappling with several prominent cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have allegedly captured the focus of former President Trump and resulted in anti-immigrant comments from him targeting Somalis. It is worth noting, Minnesota is home to the largest 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 praised 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 “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 being attacked 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 state's forceful criticism underscores the significant division between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this escalating enforcement initiative.