Federal Immigration Operation Targets Minneapolis Somali Community as 150 Arrested
About 2,000 federal agents launched a Minneapolis–St. Paul operation targeting fraud and cross-border crime, arresting 150 people amid local civil-rights criticism and escalating agent sightings.
NPRHomeland Security plans 2,000 immigration officers in Minnesota
CBS NewsAmid Twin Cities raids, Noem says she's "focused on policing the streets, not policing President Trump's words"
Epoch TimesImmigration Agents Surge Into Minneapolis in ‘Largest Operation Ever’
Epoch TimesImmigration Agents Surge Into Minneapolis in ‘Largest Operation Ever’
Overview
Approximately 2,000 federal agents from ICE, DHS and CBP began a roughly 30-day operation in early January across Minneapolis–St. Paul, focusing on alleged fraud and transnational crime.
Officials say ERO will supply about 75% of personnel for arrests and deportations, while HSI agents conduct door-to-door inquiries into fraud, human smuggling and unlawful employment.
Immigrant groups report rising federal agent sightings, especially near St. Paul; agents conducted traffic stops near businesses and apartments, and some sources spoke anonymously about tactics.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined ICE officers during at least one St. Paul arrest—video shows her in tactical gear—and DHS reported an arrest of about 150 people in Minneapolis.
Operation drew criticism from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara and civil-rights advocates over 'questionable methods'; hotels canceled agent reservations, and officials say scope and duration remain subject to change.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by emphasizing the scale and impact of the DHS operation, using terms like "largest" and "dramatically expanding." They highlight community tensions and political reactions, such as Gov. Walz's criticism, to present a narrative of federal overreach. The focus on local officials' and residents' distress underscores the operation's controversial nature.