Overview
- ICE said 12 people were detained in the Twin Cities under Operation Metro Surge, identifying six Mexican nationals, five from Somalia and one from El Salvador.
- DHS stated eight of those arrested had criminal charges or convictions, including assault, fraud, domestic violence, DUI and criminal sexual conduct, and labeled the group the 'worst of the worst.'
- The enforcement push began Dec. 1 after a renewed federal focus on Minnesota, with DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blaming local 'sanctuary' policies and naming Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
- Local officials and advocates denounced the rhetoric and tactics, with Minneapolis reiterating that city police will not assist in federal immigration enforcement.
- Somali community members reported fear and economic fallout in Minneapolis, as federal officials cited ongoing pandemic-era fraud cases to justify the surge.