In brief
In a significant move, the Trump administration has commenced what it terms the largest immigration enforcement operation in U.S. history, deploying up to 2,000 federal personnel to the Minneapolis area. This operation targets alleged fraud connected to the Somali community and is part of a broader initiative to enhance immigration enforcement. The deployment, featuring agents from ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, is expected to focus on identifying fraud, conducting arrests, and addressing other immigration violations. Federal officials have labeled this surge as critical amidst increasing political tensions and local concerns about fraud involving federal aid programs.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has initiated the largest immigration enforcement operation in U.S. history, deploying nearly 2,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis area as part of a crackdown linked to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.
This enforcement action represents one of the most extensive mobilizations by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in years, significantly increasing the federal law enforcement presence in Minnesota, amid rising political and community tensions.
According to Todd Lyons, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), this operation is unprecedented, although he did not disclose the specific number of agents involved.
Approximately 75% of the personnel are expected to come from ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations, specializing in immigration arrests and deportations. The operation also involves agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), focusing on fraud, human smuggling, and illegal employment practices by going door-to-door in the Twin Cities.
HSI agents are primarily charged with identifying suspected fraud, while deportation officers will conduct arrests of individuals accused of violating immigration laws. Specialized tactical units are also anticipated to participate in this operation.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem participated in the operations, publicly overseeing at least one arrest. In a video on social media, she was seen wearing tactical gear while advising an arrested individual, You will be held accountable for your crimes. The arrested individual was allegedly wanted for serious charges, including murder and sexual assault.
When asked about the total number of deployed personnel, a DHS spokesperson cited concerns for officer safety and mentioned that over 1,000 arrests had already been made, targeting individuals labeled as killers, rapists, and gang members.
The DHS has previously ramped up immigration arrests in the Minneapolis area since late last year, with Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel announcing intensified operations last week that emphasize fraud investigations. President Trump has also linked these operations to fraud cases arising from federal nutrition and pandemic aid programs, particularly those involving Somali residents.
The ongoing operation is aimed at evolving in scope and duration as it proceeds, adjusting to the developing circumstances in the community.
