Immigration Agents Surge Into Minneapolis In 'Largest Operation Ever'

The Trump administration initiated a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, targeting suspected fraud primarily involving Somali residents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem oversaw the operation, which included federal agents and officers. Over 1,000 arrests were made, including many with prior criminal convictions, and around one hundred fifty happened in Minneapolis. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated it was the largest immigration operation ever conducted. Agents were reportedly checking businesses for illegal hiring practices and fraud. Noem criticized Minnesota authorities for limiting ICE's access to state detention centers. A fugitive wanted for murder in Ecuador, who had illegally entered the U.S., was arrested. Another arrest involved a criminal immigrant from Laos convicted of multiple felonies. Immigrant rights groups and local officials noted increased federal agent presence. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the operation, calling it a wasteful use of resources. Walz also dropped his re-election bid, stating he needed to focus on combating fraud.