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The federal government has deployed a fresh wave of immigration officials to the state of Minnesota, marking an escalation in its rhetoric and actions against the region and its sizable immigrant communities.

Federal Surge Confirmed by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that it is “deploying additional forces to Minneapolis to root out fraud, apprehend 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 crackdown ever taking place right now”.

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

News accounts suggest the federal government is sending another two thousand agents, from both ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, into the state for a one-month period. While Lyons did not confirm that specific figure, he described it as a combined operation from both agencies. DHS would not confirm a number but stated it had “increased law enforcement” presence.

The Crackdown Effort and Local Fallout

Dubbed “Metro Surge,” the federal enforcement push in the state has been ongoing since the start of last month. In response, local residents have pushed back against ICE, engaging in protests and impeding deportations. Meanwhile, some immigrants have reportedly avoided public life, skipping trips to grocery stores or medical care due to apprehension of being apprehended.

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

Political Context: Fraud Allegations and Comments

This fixation on Minnesota occurs as the state is dealing with several prominent cases alleging misuse of social services. These cases have reportedly drawn the focus of former President Trump and led to xenophobic comments from him targeting 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 “going door to door” 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 local non-cooperation policies in places like Minnesota.

State Leadership Response

In a public statement, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the federal surge “outrageous” and part of a “war that’s being fought against Minnesota”.

“I don’t think any state government in history has had to fight a war against the federal government every single day. We are under assault 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 state's forceful condemnation highlights the significant political rift between Minnesota and Washington authorities over this intensifying enforcement initiative.