Minnesota is facing a massive escalation in its fight against immigration enforcement, as the Trump administration has deployed hundreds more agents to the state. The operation, dubbed "Operation Metro Surge," is being touted by ICE officials as their largest to date, with Acting Director Todd Lyons stating that it's a 100% chance of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visit in the Twin Cities.
The surge comes as part of a broader crackdown on immigration enforcement nationwide, which has seen numerous high-profile raids and deportations. However, the focus on Minnesota has been particularly intense, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visiting the state to oversee the operation. The agency's efforts have sparked widespread protests and outrage from community members, who see the move as an attack on the state's immigrant populations.
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali populations in the US, and most Somalis in the state are American citizens. However, the state has also seen a number of high-profile cases alleging fraud of social services, which have captured Trump's attention. The president has made several xenophobic comments about Somalis, fueling fears among immigrant communities.
The operation has been described as a "door-to-door" crackdown on companies suspected of hiring undocumented workers, with ICE agents going after those accused of committing fraud. However, critics say the move is an attempt to intimidate and harass immigrant communities, rather than addressing legitimate concerns about social services.
Governor Tim Walz has called the surge "ridiculous" and part of a broader "war" waged against Minnesota by the federal government. He claimed that the state is under attack on all sides, with no other government in history having to face such relentless daily attacks from the federal authorities.
The operation's impact on immigrant communities in Minnesota remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the state is bracing itself for a long and contentious battle against what it sees as an overzealous immigration enforcement agency.
The surge comes as part of a broader crackdown on immigration enforcement nationwide, which has seen numerous high-profile raids and deportations. However, the focus on Minnesota has been particularly intense, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visiting the state to oversee the operation. The agency's efforts have sparked widespread protests and outrage from community members, who see the move as an attack on the state's immigrant populations.
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali populations in the US, and most Somalis in the state are American citizens. However, the state has also seen a number of high-profile cases alleging fraud of social services, which have captured Trump's attention. The president has made several xenophobic comments about Somalis, fueling fears among immigrant communities.
The operation has been described as a "door-to-door" crackdown on companies suspected of hiring undocumented workers, with ICE agents going after those accused of committing fraud. However, critics say the move is an attempt to intimidate and harass immigrant communities, rather than addressing legitimate concerns about social services.
Governor Tim Walz has called the surge "ridiculous" and part of a broader "war" waged against Minnesota by the federal government. He claimed that the state is under attack on all sides, with no other government in history having to face such relentless daily attacks from the federal authorities.
The operation's impact on immigrant communities in Minnesota remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the state is bracing itself for a long and contentious battle against what it sees as an overzealous immigration enforcement agency.
just saw that ICE is sending hundreds more agents to Minny 
I don't get why they gotta make such a big deal about immigration enforcement, like it's already causing enough stress for communities... can't they just focus on addressing the real issues like social services? 
this whole "Operation Metro Surge" feels so arbitrary and xenophobic 
governor tim walz is right to call it ridiculous 
I wonder how long it'll take before people start pushing back against these aggressive tactics 
I'm really worried about this "Operation Metro Surge" 
, especially since most Somalis in Minnesota are actually American citizens 
. It's just not right that they're being targeted because of some alleged social services fraud 
. I mean, can't we just focus on the real problems instead of making assumptions about whole communities? 
. That's just not fair to people who are already living in fear 
. We need more transparency and understanding from our government officials instead of just throwing more agents at the problem 
.
. Do you think he's being too harsh or is it justified? Shouldn't we be focusing on finding solutions to these problems rather than piling on even more tension 
?
this whole thing feels so sad... like minnesota's trying to keep its community safe but the federal gov is just piling on more drama 
. governor walz's right though - it's like the feds are just trying to wear them down 
. I don't think this operation is going to make a dent in immigration or social services fraud, it's just going to create more division and fear. And Governor Tim Walz's words about being attacked on all sides? yeah, that's not helping 
. We need some chill-out mode for Minnesota ASAP 
.
. governor tim walz is totally right tho - this operation feels like part of a bigger pattern of federal overreach...it's like, what's next? them showing up at your doorstep unannounced just 'cause you've got a few friends from a certain country? no thanks 
wanna see the actual data on social services fraud in mn and how it relates to immigration enforcement...can't just take their word for it 
...
. The Trump administration is just trying to keep the narrative going that they're tough on immigration when really they're just being super aggressive and discriminatory towards communities of color like Somalis. Newsflash: ICE isn't even doing its job right! They're not focusing on real fraud cases, but rather on targeting innocent people who are just trying to make a living.
. Minnesota is like, super progressive and welcoming, and this kind of thing just makes me wanna roll my eyes. Governor Walz is totally right to call it out for what it is – a war on Minnesota's immigrant communities by the federal government.
I'm low-key worried about this "Operation Metro Surge" unfolding in Minnesota 
. It's already sparked major protests and outrage from community members, who see it as an attack on their rights.
.