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The national administration has deployed a fresh wave of immigration officials to Minnesota, representing an intensification in its campaign and rhetoric against the region and its sizable immigrant populations.

Federal Surge Confirmed by Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed on social media that it is “surging to Minneapolis to root out fraud, apprehend perpetrators and deport 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 biggest 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 administration is sending another 2,000 agents, from both ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, into the state for a one-month period. While the ICE official did not verify that specific figure, he described it as a joint effort from both agencies. DHS declined to specify a number but acknowledged it had “surged law enforcement” resources.

The Crackdown Effort and Community Impact

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the federal enforcement push in the state has been ongoing since early December. In reaction, community members have fought back against ICE, engaging in protests and attempting to block deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have allegedly 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 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: High-Profile Cases and Rhetoric

This focus on Minnesota occurs as the state is grappling with several high-profile cases alleging fraud of social services. These cases have reportedly captured the attention of former President Trump and led to xenophobic 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 businesses suspected of hiring undocumented people and that some agents would be “looking at these fraud cases”. He commended Secretary Noem for running an “highly effective operation” in Minneapolis and said the agents were fighting against sanctuary policies in places like Minnesota.

Governor's Rebuke

In a press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the federal surge “ridiculous” and part of a “conflict that’s being fought against Minnesota”.

“In my view, any state government in history has had to battle 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 is indifferent to the well being of Minnesotans.” – Governor Tim Walz

The state's forceful condemnation highlights the deep division between state and federal authorities over this escalating enforcement initiative.