The Donald Trump administration has initiated what federal officials are calling the largest immigration enforcement operation in U.S. history, with plans to deploy up to 2,000 federal agents across the Minneapolis–St. Paul region. The sweeping action is linked partly to alleged fraud cases involving Somali residents, significantly expanding the federal law enforcement presence in Minnesota.
Massive Federal Deployment Confirmed
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, the operation represents the agency’s most extensive immigration action to date. Speaking in a televised interview, Lyons emphasized the unprecedented scale of the crackdown.
A source familiar with the plans told The Associated Press that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to send as many as 2,000 officers into the Twin Cities area. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of operational details.
Increased Agent Activity Raises Community Tensions
Immigrant advocacy groups and local officials reported a noticeable rise in federal agent activity, particularly in St. Paul, with ICE vehicles seen conducting traffic stops and appearing near businesses and apartment complexes.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem personally joined ICE agents during at least one arrest. A video shared on social media showed her wearing tactical gear while addressing a detained man, stating that he would be “held accountable.” DHS later confirmed the suspect was an Ecuadorian national wanted in both his home country and Connecticut on serious charges, including murder and sexual assault. Officials also disclosed that 150 individuals were arrested in Minneapolis on Monday alone.
Minnesota Governor Condemns Enforcement Surge
Tim Walz Calls Operation a “War” on the State
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sharply criticized the federal deployment, describing it as “a war being waged against Minnesota.” He accused federal authorities of failing to coordinate with state leaders and staging the operation largely for public visibility.
The operation has heightened anxiety in communities already under stress, particularly the Somali community, the largest of its kind in the United States. Tensions escalated last month when Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara raised concerns about “questionable methods” used by federal agents during confrontations with protesters.
Local Leaders and Advocates Voice Alarm
St. Paul City Council member Molly Coleman said the scale of enforcement activity was unlike anything the city had experienced before, calling the situation deeply distressing. Immigration advocates echoed her concerns, warning that widespread ICE presence creates fear across entire neighborhoods.
Julia Decker of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota noted an increase in reports of federal vehicles in parking lots and residential areas, while organizers from the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee confirmed a heavier enforcement presence across the region.
Focus on Fraud Investigations and Deportations
Multiple Federal Agencies Involved
Roughly 75% of deployed personnel are expected to come from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, responsible for immigration arrests and deportations. The operation also includes agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which specializes in fraud, human smuggling, and cross-border crime.
HSI agents have reportedly gone door-to-door investigating alleged fraud, unlawful employment practices, and smuggling networks. Deportation officers, meanwhile, are tasked with arresting individuals accused of violating immigration laws. Specialized tactical units and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are also participating.
Hotel Controversy Adds to Fallout
The enforcement surge triggered controversy in the hospitality sector after Hilton removed a Minnesota hotel from its system. The decision followed the Hampton Inn Lakeville canceling reservations for federal agents, citing concerns over standards and values. The hotel later apologized and said it would attempt to accommodate the agents, though it declined further comment.
Background of Intensified Enforcement
Federal immigration arrests in the Minneapolis area began rising late last year. DHS Secretary Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel recently confirmed that agencies were stepping up enforcement in Minnesota, with a strong emphasis on fraud investigations.
President Trump has repeatedly connected Minnesota enforcement efforts to alleged fraud involving federal nutrition programs and pandemic relief funds, cases that have often involved defendants with Somali roots. Officials cautioned that the scope and duration of the current operation could change as events unfold.
