The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Tuesday the commencement of an expansive immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, described as the largest ever undertaken by the agency. The deployment involves around 2,000 federal agents and officers converging on the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area with a focus partly on addressing allegations related to fraudulent activities within the Somali community.
DHS communicated via a social media post that this operation marks a significant expansion of the federal law enforcement presence in Minnesota, intensifying government efforts in the area amidst elevated political debates and local community unease. Information from a U.S. official and a knowledgeable insider confidentially disclosed to the press indicated that approximately 2,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel are scheduled for deployment primarily in Minneapolis and St. Paul. These sources remained anonymous to preserve sensitive operational details.
Reports from immigrant advocacy organizations and elected representatives within the Twin Cities noted a discernible rise in federal agent visibility on Tuesday, especially notable across St. Paul. Multiple accounts included observations of federal vehicles conducting traffic stops and stationing near local businesses and residential complexes.
Accompanying the enforcement actions, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was present during at least one detention. A recorded video circulating on social media depicted Secretary Noem adorned in tactical gear and a knit cap as she witnessed ICE agents arrest an individual in St. Paul. The detainee, who appeared handcuffed, was addressed by Noem asserting accountability for alleged crimes.
According to DHS statements, the arrested individual hails from Ecuador and faces outstanding charges connected to murder and sexual assault in Ecuador and Connecticut. On the first day of the operation, agents arrested approximately 150 individuals in Minneapolis as part of the ongoing enforcement activities.
In response, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a member of the Democratic Party, publicly criticized the intensified federal presence, labeling it as a conflict disproportionately targeting the state. Walz expressed frustration over the deployment of close to 2,000 officers operating independently of coordination with state authorities, characterizing the effort as a spectacle aimed at gaining media attention. His remarks came shortly after he announced his decision not to seek reelection for a third gubernatorial term.
The local population, already experiencing heightened sensitivities, particularly within the Somali immigrant community—the largest in the United States—has reacted with concern. Recently, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara questioned the methods employed by federal agents after confrontations with protestors. St. Paul City Council member Molly Coleman, representing a district with a manufacturing facility where multiple arrests were made in November, described the day’s events as unprecedented and distressing, emphasizing that ICE operations often create an atmosphere of fear among local residents.
Advocacy organizations supporting immigrant rights, such as the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, noted a substantial increase in federal agents and enforcement vehicles around the city, including in places like parking lots, which has elevated community alertness and concern.
Operationally, approximately 75% of the personnel involved originate from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division, responsible for immigration arrests and deportations. The remaining force comprises agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative branch of ICE that concentrates on fraud, human smuggling, and improper employment practices. HSI agents have been conducting door-to-door inquiries throughout the Twin Cities to identify cases related to fraud and unlawful activities.
While HSI's role centers on investigating alleged fraud, enforcement officers are primarily engaged in apprehending individuals accused of immigration violations. Additionally, specialized tactical units and personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including Commander Gregory Bovino—a figure noted for controversial tactics in previous federal operations—are part of this extensive operation.
In a related development, Hilton Hotels publicly stated it removed a Minnesota hotel, the Hampton Inn in Lakeville (located about 20 miles from Minneapolis), from its booking platform after the hotel canceled reservations made by federal agents. The hotel issued an apology and committed to accommodating agents moving forward. The property operates under a franchise business model, and the franchisee did not respond to additional inquiries.
Federal immigration raids in the Minneapolis region have been escalating since late last year. Recent announcements from Secretary Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed intensified federal efforts with an emphasis on uncovering fraud. This initiative follows President Trump’s administration focus on linking immigration enforcement in Minnesota to fraudulent claims involving federal nutritional assistance and pandemic-related aid programs, many incidents reportedly connected to individuals with Somali heritage.
Sources familiar with the unfolding operation caution that the initiative’s scale and duration may evolve over the upcoming days, depending on operational developments and investigative findings.