In January 2026, Minneapolis has become the center of a massive federal immigration operation.
Thousands of federal agents are currently on the ground in the Twin Cities.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) calls this effort “Operation Metro Surge.”
Federal officials say they are targeting “the worst of the worst” criminal offenders.
They are specifically looking for individuals involved in gang activity, violent crime, and large-scale fraud.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has already reported over 2,500 arrests in the area.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated the operation aims to stop “rampant fraud and criminality” in Minnesota.
Federal authorities are also investigating massive fraud involving pandemic aid and nutrition programs.
However, local leaders in Minneapolis and Saint Paul have a very different view of the situation.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit to stop the federal surge.
He describes the operation as a “federal invasion” that is terrorizing the community.
City officials argue that the federal government is targeting Minneapolis for political reasons.
They claim agents are using “unconstitutional” tactics, including warrantless arrests and racial profiling.
Tensions reached a breaking point after a federal agent fatally shot a resident, Renee Nicole Good, last week.
A second shooting occurred this Wednesday when an officer fired at a man during a struggle.
Governor Tim Walz has called for the federal government to “turn down the temperature” in the city.
Meanwhile, the White House has threatened to use the Insurrection Act to quell ongoing protests.
For now, the heavy federal presence continues as the legal battle between the state and the government moves to court.
