Widespread immigration enforcement operations have commenced in the Minneapolis area, marking a significant intensification in immigration law enforcement under the Trump administration. Officials have indicated that nearly 2,000 federal agents and officers will be deployed to the city as part of this operation, which is being described as the largest of its kind in U.S. history.
This latest crackdown is reportedly connected to investigations into alleged fraud involving Somali community members, further heightening existing political and community tensions in the region. Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), confirmed that this operation involves significant personnel from both ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the investigative arm known as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to sources familiar with the operation, HSI agents are primarily tasked with identifying fraud cases, while ICE’s deportation officers will focus on arrests of individuals suspected of violating immigration laws. Tactical units are also expected to be part of the effort, which is projected to adapt and evolve as the situation unfolds.
Recently, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was documented accompanying ICE officers in their enforcement efforts, vividly displayed in a social media video where she participated in an arrest. The person arrested was reported to have been wanted on serious charges including murder and sexual assault in multiple jurisdictions.
The operation aims to execute a large volume of arrests, with reports estimating over 1,000 individuals already taken into custody, encompassing members of violent crimes and gang affiliations. Officials have noted that the scope of this operation could change as it progresses in the days ahead.
