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

Federal Surge Announced by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “surging to Minneapolis to eradicate fraud, apprehend perpetrators and remove criminal undocumented individuals”. The top official of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, told a news outlet that the agency has in the city “the biggest immigration operation ever underway right now”.

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

Reports 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 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 “surged law enforcement” presence.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” the agency's enforcement push in the state has been underway since the start of last month. In response, community members have pushed back against ICE, organizing protests and attempting to block deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly stayed away from public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to fear of being apprehended.

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

Broader Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This fixation on Minnesota comes while the state is grappling with several prominent cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have allegedly drawn the focus of former President Trump and resulted in xenophobic comments from him specifically about Somalis. Notably, 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 further stated that officers have been “conducting visits” to companies suspected of hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “investigating 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 labeled the federal surge “ridiculous” and part of a “war that’s being fought against Minnesota”.

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

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