The Trump administration just deployed what amounts to a small army, up to 2,000 federal agents, to Minneapolis, making it the epicenter of the largest immigration enforcement operation in recent memory.
Story Snapshot
- Nearly 2,000 ICE and HSI agents launched a 30-day enforcement surge in Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Operation targets deportations and fraud investigations following billions in losses from programs like Feeding Our Future
- Deployment follows Operation Metro Surge that resulted in nearly 700 arrests by December 2025
- Federal agents are rotating through Minnesota with unprecedented resources—equivalent to Arizona’s entire HSI workforce
The Fraud Connection Behind the Federal Surge
Minnesota’s reputation as ground zero for massive federal program fraud drove this extraordinary deployment. Since 2021, the state has witnessed billions in losses through schemes targeting nutrition aid, child care, housing, and stabilization programs. The Feeding Our Future scandal alone resulted in over 90 indictments and convictions, with networks exploiting pandemic-era vulnerabilities in federal oversight.
Commander Gregory Bovino leads this operation, bringing experience from previous large-scale raids in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte. The deployment involves 600 HSI agents and 1,500 ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers, along with Special Response Teams and Border Patrol units rotating through the Twin Cities over 30 days.
Political Tensions Escalate as Federal Forces Override State Resistance
The timing reveals deep political fractures between the Trump administration and Minnesota’s Democratic leadership. Governor Tim Walz, who served as the 2024 Democratic VP nominee, announced he won’t seek a third term just days into the operation. Meanwhile, DHS froze $185 million in child care funding, effectively overriding state authority in program administration.
Federal officials justify the massive deployment by linking immigration enforcement to fraud recovery. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reported over 1,000 arrests nationwide of “murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and gang members,” though specific Minnesota numbers remain classified for operational security.
Somali Community Bears the Brunt of Enforcement Actions
The operation specifically targets Minnesota’s large Somali-American population, following Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric calling them “garbage” who “contribute nothing.” Recent viral videos alleging fraud at Somali-run child care centers fueled public sentiment, despite state inspections finding no evidence to support the claims.
CAIR-Minnesota’s Jaylani Hussein warns of dangerous stigmatization, noting how isolated fraud cases become generalized to entire communities. The fear is palpable—businesses face disruption from HSI canvassing, families avoid public spaces, and legitimate program beneficiaries suffer from funding freezes affecting their basic needs.
Unprecedented Scale Signals New Federal Strategy
This deployment transforms Minneapolis into “the new Chicago” for federal immigration operations. The scale dwarfs previous enforcement actions—2,000 agents represents more federal firepower than most cities see in years of routine operations. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s presence in the Twin Cities underscores the political significance of this moment.
The 30-day timeline suggests this isn’t a quick sweep but a systematic dismantling of what federal authorities view as entrenched criminal networks. Past operations like Metro Surge proved effective, with 700 arrests focusing on individuals with existing deportation orders. This expansion indicates the administration’s confidence in both the intelligence and the political benefits of aggressive enforcement in Democratic strongholds.
Sources:
2,000 federal agents deploying to Minneapolis in immigration crackdown – CBS News
Up to 2,000 fed’l agents deployed to Minnesota amid immigration crackdown – TRT World
Noem in Twin Cities as federal immigration crackdown continues – MPR News
