FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IN MINNESOTA — WHAT’S REAL AND VERIFIED 🇺🇸

A major federal immigration enforcement effort known as Operation Metro Surge has unfolded in Minnesota since late 2025, drawing national attention, protests, legal challenges, and scrutiny from officials and rights groups.

 What has been confirmed:

• In early January 2026, roughly 2,000 federal immigration agents — including ICE and other Department of Homeland Security personnel — were deployed to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area in what authorities described as the largest immigration enforcement operation in state history.

• The surge involved arrests of individuals with outstanding removal orders and immigration violations.

• The operation sparked sharp public backlash, including mass protests and criticism from local leaders who argued the enforcement tactics were heavy-handed and harmful to communities.

• Legal action was taken by Minnesota’s state government, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul, arguing the surge violated constitutional and civil rights protections and seeking to stop federal action.

• Two fatal shootings involving federal agents occurred during the enforcement period, including the January 7 killing of Renée Good and the January 24 shooting of Alex Pretti, which have become central to debate over the operation’s conduct and oversight.

 Recent Legal Developments

• A federal judge dismissed assault charges against two people previously accused of attacking an ICE agent in a January Minneapolis shooting after new evidence emerged that undermined the government’s case.

 What officials have said

• Federal authorities have stated that immigration enforcement actions were lawful and part of broader national policy.
• Minnesota officials and civil rights advocates have raised urgent questions about the tactics used, calling for more transparency and independent investigation.

 De-escalation and Current Status

After widespread criticism and sustained protests, federal leadership, including former ICE Director and Trump appointee Tom Homan, announced that the intense surge in Minnesota is being scaled back, though ongoing enforcement continues.