The Trump administration is intensifying its immigration operations in Minnesota, sending more agents to the state as part of what officials describe as the “largest operation to date.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made its intentions clear, stating that the Twin Cities will see a significant uptick in enforcement activities.

“A 100% chance of ICE in the Twin Cities — our largest operation to date,” the official ICE account noted recently. The agency warned those involved in criminal activities or immigration fraud to expect increased scrutiny and potential visits from enforcement agents.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that it is “surging to Minneapolis to root out fraud, arrest perpetrators, and remove criminal illegal aliens.” Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, emphasized the scale of the operation during an interview, indicating unprecedented levels of enforcement in the city.

Media reports indicate that the administration plans to deploy an additional 2,000 agents from both ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) over a 30-day period. While DHS has not confirmed specific numbers, they noted a significant increase in law enforcement presence across the state.

Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, was recently seen in Minnesota, participating in an arrest of a suspect wanted for murder in Ecuador. This event, broadcasted by DHS, underscores the administration’s commitment to its aggressive stance on immigration enforcement.

Dubbed “Operation Metro Surge,” this crackdown has been ongoing since early December. Community members have vocalized their opposition to ICE’s presence, protesting and attempting to disrupt deportations. Many immigrants are now avoiding public spaces like grocery stores and healthcare facilities out of fear of apprehension.

The focus on Minnesota is particularly heightened amid various high-profile cases of alleged social services fraud, garnering national attention and further fueling negative rhetoric surrounding the state’s immigrant communities. Minnesota is known for having the largest Somali population in the U.S., with many community members being American citizens.

Lyons highlighted ongoing tactics, such as door-to-door inquiries at companies suspected of hiring undocumented workers. He praised Noem’s leadership of the operation and criticized sanctuary policies in states like Minnesota.

In response, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the surge of ICE agents, calling it “ridiculous” and a part of a larger “war being waged against Minnesota.”

“I don’t think any government in history has had to fight a war against the federal government every single day,” Walz stated. “We are under assault like no other time in our state’s history because of a petty, vile administration that doesn’t care about the well-being of Minnesotans.”