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The national administration has deployed a fresh wave of immigration officials to the state of Minnesota, marking an escalation in its rhetoric and actions targeting the state and its immigrant populations.

Federal Surge Announced by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to root out fraud, arrest 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 largest immigration operation ever taking place right now”.

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

Reports indicate the administration is bringing in another two thousand agents, from both ICE and HSI, into the state for a 30-day period. While Lyons did not verify that specific figure, he called it a combined operation from both agencies. DHS would not confirm a number but acknowledged it had “increased law enforcement” presence.

The Crackdown Effort and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the agency's enforcement push in the state has been underway since early December. In reaction, local residents have pushed back against ICE, organizing protests and attempting to block deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have allegedly avoided public life, forgoing trips to grocery stores or medical care due to fear of being apprehended.

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

Political Context: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This focus on Minnesota comes while the state is dealing with several prominent cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have reportedly captured 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 further stated that officers have been “conducting visits” to businesses allegedly hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “investigating 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 labeled the federal surge “outrageous” 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 doesn’t care about the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The state's strong condemnation highlights the deep division between state and federal authorities over this intensifying crackdown.